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Abbey Way Dec 06 final 2/1/07 11:11 am Page 1

SLÍ NA MAINISTREACH

January 2007 Volume 10 THE Issue 1 ABBEY THE ABBEY CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL Way INSIDE THIS EDITION • Full Coverage of West Side Story • Politics • Pupils Visit WEST SIDE Stormont

• Trips STORY

• Students selected for Zambia Immersion Project

• Sport • Poetry

• Cross Country WEST SIDE STORY Running • Book Reviews is the talk of the town! Abbey Way Dec 06 final 2/1/07 11:12 am Page 2

Update from PHSE ROUND UP A-LEVEL RESULTS ARE THE BEST EVER! Management on Pupils hear first hand our experiences with alcohol.They also spoke about the services that are the New School accounts of the dangers of available for alcoholics such as the Cuan Alcohol abuse Mhuire centre. There are 6 of these in Over the coming issues Slí na Mainistreach will keep Ireland which are currently helping a you informed of development with the new school On Tuesday 28th of November 3 large number of alcoholics get through building. The next edition will publish photographs members of the Cuan Mhuire centre the disease along with AA (Alcoholics of the work as it happens; until then here’s the latest: visited to talk to the year group about Anonymous) which helps deal with their experiences of alcohol and how it alcohol related problems on a daily took them into the state of alcoholism basis. Questions on the subject were New School Project which is a disease. They spoke about taken at the end of the talk which were The need for a new school for the pupils of the Abbey how the addiction becomes worse and helpful in our understanding of the Christian Brothers’ Grammar School was identified worse and how we should be careful in subject. within a very short period of the opening of the present school in 1966. By the late 1990s an economic Anti social behaviour highlighted to 4th Years appraisal had determined that the current site was no longer suitable and a new site on the Ashgrove Road was selected. On Monday 13th November members of S1A went to a talk on anti-social Early in 2000 this site was purchased and in February 2002 behaviour and drink driving in the Aylesforte in Warrenpoint.The talk was held by the Department of Education announced a grant funding of members of the local council and the District Policing Partnership. £12 million for the building of a new school. Throughout this The day involved question and answer sessions and we had to vote for our period the School Management had advanced this project opinion involving the subject involved. Whenever the votes were all taken, the with a series of crucial decisions. Prolonged and detailed group discussed the results and members of the floor had the opportunity to ask discussions had taken place with various groups in the the members of the DPP present about things concerning them. Department of Education to establish the enrolment figures The day was very helpful as it filled us in on anything we didn’t know relating to of the new school, the schedule of accommodation, the type Last Year’s Seventh Year receive their Good News. of procurement to be applied and extra allocation of facilities that subject and it also helped us express our views on drinking, anti-social which the management considered necessary to obtain the behaviour and ways to improve or prevent these things from happening. best school for their pupils. The members of the DPP were very keen to answer our questions and they The Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Architects had been appointed in January 2003 and gave as much detail as possible, making sure we all learnt something new at the immediately commenced a process of drawing up a quality end of the day. It was an informative and enjoyable day as it let us express our Newry is celebrating yet another exceptional set of A- building. This process has continued to the present day and views to important people and, if given the opportunity, I would like to attend level results. 104 boys received their superb results the team of architects, in consultation with the school more of these conferences in the future. management, the heads of departments and the teachers of in Mid August. the school, have produced a final design. That design will, Mark D’Arcy S1A Previous records were broken as academic standards continue to within the next month, go to tender for six selected building rise each year. The most significant statistic from these results is that firms and the new year will finally see the conclusion of this LOVE FOR LIFE stopped pregnancy. more pupils at the Abbey are obtaining the top grades. An stage of the project – the selection of the building contractor Many of the 3rd years in the hall unbelievable 55% of all results were grade A, 77% grades A or B Our day began with the distribution of and the commencement of work on the site. believed that wearing a condom made and 95% grades A-C. worksheets which were called ‘Icebergs it impossible to make a girl pregnant Again the number of pupils at the Abbey achieving top grades in and Babies.’ Whilst listening to a catchy and spread disease but the only way to their 3, 4 or even 5 subjects continues to rise. A total of 28 boys Abbey Pupils Visit Stormont tune we answered questions by be sure of not making a girl pregnant achieved 3 or more grade A’s. agreeing or disagreeing with key issues and not getting disease is by NOT Top pupi,l Stephen Begley, from Dromintee achieved 5 A grades on sex and pregnancy. We found out having sex. and shall be studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. that 80% of 14 and 15 year olds are Headmaster Mr Dermot McGovern congratulates Steven Begley Members of We ended the talk by discussing Twelve boys achieved 4 A grades and another 15 boys achieved 3 on his outstanding results. Also pictured are vice Principals Last Year’s virgins. what the Icebergs part of the title A grades. Three of this group shall be studying at Oxford Mr. Paul O’Shea and Mr Ronan Ruddy. Oriel 3 on We discussed ways that young meant. It is about STIs and how we University:- Sean Mc Clory – (Law), Philip Knox (English Language the steps of people can be pressurized into sex usually only see 10% of the iceberg. and Literature) and Kevin Mc Manus (Mathematics and Statistics). Stormont thanks to media and peer pressure.We With STIs we only see the symptoms This really is the ‘icing on the cake’ for The Abbey Grammar at the watched a movie “The Last Teenage end of what has proved to be a historic year following numerous At Stormont we arrived and stood in the Great Hall. and we’re lucky to see them. STIs can Virgin in Craigavon” which showed that extra curricular successes in Irish, Drama, Science,Technology, Music Everything was symmetrical.The building is 365 feet be working away inside you without most people are virgins but they just and Sport including MacRory Cup and Hogan Cup success. wide-one foot for each day of the year. We then you knowing. Some of them are don’t talk about it. With preparations well under way for the new school, and an watched a presentation about Stormont. It explained Bacterial.These can be killed using anti- We watched the cartoon, Oscar and increase in the number of subjects in lower sixth to include English what Stormont was and what MLAs are. biotics but some are viral and will be in Language, Accounting and Vocational courses, including ICT and We played games like a memory game with cards Martha (which was quite amusing). It your system for life and may lead to Construction, demand for places continues to rise. with things to do with Stormont on them and a ‘finish showed how a night with your girlfriend death. We then thanked the team Mr Dermot Mc Govern, Headmaster, congratulated this the sentence game’. We went to the assembly baby-sitting can lead from kissing to sex, before we were dismissed. exceptional group of pupils on their results. He indicated that chamber where all the MLAs sit.We also had a vote. especially if alcohol is involved.This can I enjoyed the talk and it was good virtually every boy achieved his first choice university place. He We also went to another chamber. It was called the spread disease, make a teenager craic for the whole year group. I found paid tribute to his hard working staff and thanked them for all their Senate. We really enjoyed our day in Stormont and pregnant and at the end of it all you out many useful facts and I look efforts and dedication to the welfare of their students. He it was interesting to learn about the Northern probably will get dumped. We were forward to more talks like this in the acknowledged the strong school-parental links that also helped the Ireland Assembly. told about the myths of sex and future. Abbey Students attending Oxford and Cambridge Universities. boys to achieve their best. Niall Burke, Oriel 3 different stories that supposedly Patrick Burns Br 3

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DELIVERANCE THE FINAL WILTING OF THE LABOUR Seventh Year Student James Patterson reviews the Of course, then, who to blow the ROSE POLITICS REVIEW: whistle than John Prescott, who said in The Times One would have thought,“OK fair enough, he strained relationship between Gordon Brown and Tony Blair. in May 2004 that there had been “a pretty needs time, that’s understandable.” Surely serious breakdown in relations” between Gordon and his band of merry Brownites would Gordon and Tony early in the life of New Labour capitulate. Nope. All hell broke loose and the Tony Blair, and not for the first time, is feeling of hearing about the soldiers who have to pay of the electoral wilderness, passed away for their own equipment in the midst of an unexpectedly. This then left just Gordon, his but that things had ‘since improved.’ “About messy affair ended with the resignation of a BROWN ON HIS LUCK intensifying Middle Eastern conflict. protegé, and Tony, the young Home Affairs bloody time!” yelled the country, amused at first Junior Minister and Seven Government aides, as But, nonetheless, I feel a certain degree of pity spokesman with a promising future, to battle it by the Tony and Gordon show but soon coming well as making Gordon look devious. for the man. It’s not as though his gravitation to the realisation that they might as well be Ultimately this failed coup attempt could ruin THE GORDIAN KNOT out for the Labour leadership. What happened toward neo-conservatism was malicious or next, though, is still a matter of much debate. watching a repeat, this double act was getting Brown’s chances of ever becoming Prime Poor Tony. He’s had to endure a lot over the old. Minister, at least for any considerable amount of deliberate, perhaps he just lost his way.Whatever Some have speculated that following a meeting OLD DOGS, OLD TRICKS time. There was a lot of hostility at the way in past two months. The unrestricted media the reason, Gordon it seems, will be the one at the Granita Restaurant in Islington, Gordon Unfortunately relations frosted once again which he conducted himself during the whole access to his ever-dwindling influence within who reaps the rewards. agreed to step down from the leadership race to YOUNG between the two men when Blair told Brown at affair and his conduct has the potential to the Labour Party, the humiliation of the And not a moment too soon. Mr. Brown has give Blair a straight run in exchange for his the beginning of January 2005 that he would disillusion traditional Labour voters en route to attempted Brownite coup last month and, been waiting for this opportunity to arise for assurance that he would one day step down as serve ‘a full third term’, thus relying on the the ballot box (provided, that is, that’s it’s he and of course, having to put up with Cherie’s over twelve years and he’ll be damned if Tony leader to give Gordon a stint as Prime Minister. ENTERPRISE supposed terms of the 1994 Granita agreement. not John Reid who becomes Party Leader.) opinionated, pseudo-intellectual cries of makes him wait any longer. Look at the man. He’s This speculation has filled countless newspapers been waiting so long his charisma has Upon hearing this Gordon coldly retorted, But, in the happiest of endings, there was “you’re better than this” every waking day and even inspired a TV drama called ‘The Deal’ “There is nothing you could say now that I could something of a reconciliation between the two This year a group of 13 students have set up dissolved… starring David Tennant as Tony Blair. If only Dr. and night. It was difficult to watch. HAPPY FAMILIES ever believe.” But hey, this was the Tony and men this week, as both took the podium at the their own company, MKM Enterprises, Who were our real Prime Minister… It was almost like being a spectator in a Their turbulent relationship has often been Gordon show; there was bound to be an anti- Labour conference to congratulate one another. hoping to successfully sell a range of WHELAN IN THE BUSINESS DEAL Veterinarian’s operating theatre to watch an old described as a marriage, implying that they climax to this ever-fascinating relationship, Gordon called Tony “the most successful Labour products. They have appointed their Board Anyway, it doesn’t take a genius to work out dog being put out of its misery, the traditionalist started out contented in one another’s company something completely unexpected. And there Prime Minister ever”, admitting that it was “a of Directors and meet twice a week to that Blair eventually became leader with the Labour vets crowding around the animal on the and simply lost interest as the years progressed. was. privilege to work with him.”Tony called Gordon discuss company policy. They launched the absence of Brown and won in a landslide surgeon’s table, all eagerly anticipating their The truth is that the pair bonded on an unsteady THRILLA IN VANILLA “the most competent Chancellor…a good man” company on Monday 13th November in leadership victory against Prescott and Beckett. The May 2005 election was comedy at its and joked, after Cherie’s alleged temper tantrum reward from the owner when they’d completed footing from the very beginning. It was never a school. They expect to capture the school their task. Of course, if such a deal actually took place, then greatest. Not only did Gordon and Tony act as if that he “won’t have to worry about her running model friendship. market before Christmas and have plans for We’ve watched his hair turn greyer over the It all began for Tony and Gordon in June 1983, there was always going to be tension at the top they were best pals and always had been, Tony off with the man next door.” expansion in the New Year. The project is past nine years and his trademark grin being the year that, for the first time, the tartan-tainted whenever Tony became Prime Minister in 1997. bought Gordon an ice-cream, a potent symbol of Perhaps their relationship is not like a reduced to a feeble smirk whenever he finds duo entered the Commons as two up-and- Gordon was becoming irritated that Blair was their bond as PM and Chancellor, sweet at times marriage, and never was. The men’s bond was part of a national competition in which they something vaguely amusing. Don’t get me wrong. coming backbench MPs. They shared an office, refusing to name a departure date. He disliked but, overall, pretty cold. And then…Gordon that of Siamese twins: joined at the hip because hope to compete for the top prize of Young I, like many in the general public who have promised to change the Labour Party for the his market-orientated financial policy and didn’t show up for the G8 summit in Gleneagles, they have no choice. Well, it appears now as Enterprise Company of The Year UK – supported Labour as a leftist alternative, have better and were so full of ambition that Gordon couldn’t stand the introduction of University fees not a good sign.The men and the country were though they’ve been surgically detached. And although they have to win the regional and found it immensely cynical that Blair has treated was even able to venture a smile from time to or foundation hospitals. Aside from this, we, the back to square one. they couldn’t be happier! Northern Ireland heats first! The company his party as a Thatcherite guinea pig - abandoning time. Even at this early stage Tony was being adoring public, were treated to a very public August 2006, and after returning from his directors are: Caribbean holiday, Tony looked relaxed, not the solid Labour principles of Nationalisation and hailed as the charismatic ex-hippy with a talent Punch and Judy performance: Mr. Campbell Niall Black, John Paul O’Hare, describing Gordon as ‘psychologically flawed’ on worrying about his leadership, or Iraq or support for Trade Unionism in order to get in for seducing the lens, whilst Gordon was Sean O’Hagan, Padraig Poland, bed with Britain’s Middle-Class. Indeed, praise for just…Gordon. behalf of Tony, Mr.Whelan expressing distaste at Gordon. He was mellow, and thus was Patrick Courtney, Sean Kearney, his work as W’s poodle can only be from VIVA GRANITA!!! Tony’s ‘untrustworthy grin’ on behalf of Gordon. completely flabbergasted when he arrived back the mouth of the muted because I certainly Skip forward eleven years and you arrive in And all the while, the two men themselves to a letter calling for his resignation. Michael Williams, Dermot Markey, cannot hear it. Perhaps everyone is disillusioned May 1994. John Smith, the man hailed as Labour’s concocting an almost comical charade that “No” he said “I’m not declaring any resignation Watch this space! with the ‘War on Terror.’ Perhaps everyone is sick Messiah, the man who was to take the Party out everything was A-OK.  intentions until the Labour Conference.”

DEBATING: ABBEY BOYS STAR ON THE POLITICS SHOW CHARITY THE QUESTION weaknesses to a grade boundary approach closing speech for the Abbey, that politicians Last Year The Abbey Way brought news of the great efforts of our pupils to help with the in marking the tests. Philip McClory argued should not ignore the youth- they are the Tsunami Relief effort. Below are the fruits of their labour, two fishing boats now helping bring IS ACADEMIC that the current system was indeed as future. It is fitting then to also thank the Newry High suggested, unfair, but only in large number of staff who passed on their practical help to Sri Lanka. Four Abbey men made their Politics Show that it was equally unfair to every child. He best wishes and congratulations to the boys debut on Friday 20th October in fine style. went on to open the argument for the who took part and for me to thank the They were four stalwart campaigners Abbey with a convincing and considered team members for their professionalism at chosen to argue on the topic of academic look at the outcomes of the current each stage of the process: research, selection and to put a twist in the tale. Our selection procedures. rehearsal and filming. neighbours, Newry High School, were asked Both schools coped extremely well Ms A. Reynolds, Debating to argue in favour of academic selection with an argument for which style they had while the Abbey CBS team was to argue direct, yet very different experiences. Indeed against. a most positive result of this televised Newry High opened the argument and debate was the fact that it was the first time Ryan Martin was quick to question their both schools met for this type of alternatives for academic selection in the competition. light of the 11+ transfer tests being The Abbey students did us proud and abolished. Seamus Brannigan demonstrated they are all to be congratulated for their the flaws of the current system set out by skilled performances and lucid arguments – the Butler Act while Conor McGuigan something perhaps our politicians are still Conor, Seamus, Philip and Ryan pictured strengthened and expanded on the evident striving for. Ryan Martin suggested, in his before the debate.

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GCSE CLASS OF 2006: NON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS CELEBRATED Play their part in the academic success during the Summer

Pupils were recognised for achieving individual success either inside or outside school at the Abbey Grammar Achievement Prize giving ceremony. Included with Mr. Raymond Cassidy, Guest Speaker and Mr. Dermot Mc Govern, Headmaster are: Conor Mc Cormick (Rugby); Michael Mc Cann (Sailing); Ryan Walsh; Gavin Donnelly and Seán Donnelly (Kickboxing); Colum Mackey (Trampolining); Dan Madden (Irish Dancing); Adam Magill (Art); Niall Burke (Fundraising) and Laurence Mc Givern (Special Award).

EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS AT ABBEY CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL

The class of 2006 continued the good work with this year’s success, including a very highlighted by Mr Mc Govern that facilitated Mr. Raymond Cassidy congratulates last year’s winners of the Year 8 five Pictured at the Annual Achievement Prize giving are the Year 8 Credit of their predecessors by chalking up yet dedicated, committed and highly professional these results, working in harmony with the a side football league. Slemish were the eventual winners of the annual Union Quiz winners, Cormac Linden; Connor Hogan; Daire Mc Ateer; more impressive GCSE results in August. staff who got the best out of this year’s group. Abbey by attending parent/teacher meetings and competition. Christopher White and Keith Connelly. ‘Top of the class’ was Damian Mc Parland The most valuable gift any teacher can give a helping to implement recommendations that from Newry who achieved a new school record pupil in the Abbey is their own time and this was were agreed at ‘Progress Meetings’ that were set with 12 A* grades. He had scooped Irish and given in abundance. up to support pupils. Mathematics A* last year and excelled this year Support from parents was another area in Additional Maths, English Language, English Literature, French, History, RE, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Spanish. Another 7 pupils obtained 11 A*/A grades. These were Stephen Campbell, Martin Davidson, Fergal Mc Alinden, Ronan Mc Donald, John Paul O’Hare, Homesh Sayal and Conor Sweeney. Other top performers were Philip Mc Clory and Adrian Mc Namee with 10 A*/A grades, Michael Boyle, Conor Mc Guigan, Aiden Murphy and Vincent O’Rourke with 9 A*/A grades, Conor Bell, Kevin Holsgrove, Michael Lynch, and Ruairi Williamson with 8 A*/A grades. ‘Hitting the right notes’ Mr. Raymond Cassidy, Guest Speaker, Drama, Debating and Spelling were acknowledged at the Prize giving A delighted Headmaster, Mr Dermot Mc congratulates Music pupils at the Abbey for a variety of extracurricular Ceremony. Conor McKeown was Best Supporting Actor at the Govern, thanked staff and parents and events throughout the academic year. Included are Michael Corcoran; Warrenpoint Drama Festival. He also had a lead role in the Ulster Youth congratulated all the pupils who received GCSE Garett O Hare; Kilian Foy; Cormac Boyle; Dermot Markey; Theatre. Conal O’Hare was Best Actor at the Warrenpoint festival. Philip results – not only the boys who had done Niall O’Flahert; Declan Magee; Daniel Sutherland; Benjamin Reynolds; McClorey won first place in the Senior School Debating Competition. exceptionally well but also the boys who had Ryan Cunningham; Feargal Boyle; Niall Burke and Ronan Kearney. Ryan Martin was third in the same competition. Paul Mallon, Niall O done as well as they possibly could. He believes Donnell, Conor Fox and David McCracken participated the ‘Mental Health that a number of factors have combined to help Awareness’ debating competition. Also pictured are Abbey ‘Hard Spellers’ Garbhan Mc Kevitt, Conor Shields and Darren Marshall.

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WESTWEST SIDESIDE STORYSTORY PLAYSPLAYS ...... ANDAND SELLSSELLS OUTOUT NEWRYNEWRY CITYCITY HALL...HALL...

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The Roof may be gone- but West Side lives on! Secretary of State pays a visit to Courtenay Hill

For some people, magic can only exist in hope you appreciated the perfected dance Cast of Characters the fairytales of their childhoods. These moves, the singing and movement- literally thousands of hours are pumped into a people will tell you that it is only suitable Lead Characters for places such as Disneyland, in story production like West Side Story. Collectively, our spirit was fantastic. The work books or on the horrendous Christmas TV ethic was, as Mr Smyth (the Guru) said himself, Riff ...... Killian Foy we are facing. For the less sceptical, and in “awe-inspiring.” Logistically, choreographically, Tony...... Garrett O’Hare all honesty, the more interesting among us, visually, musically, theatrically and, to be honest, Action...... Niall Mc Aleenan magic does indeed exist. One person may mentally- West Side Story was a bit of a A-RAB...... Daniel Sutherland find it in a game of football when he scores nightmare at times. There were numerous dance Baby John...... Shane McKeever the winning goal- while another will find rehearsals and, as time elapsed, I found myself Snowboy...... Joseph Begley equal joy strumming or tooting on the becoming not only fitter but enjoying this new Big Deal...... Dermot Markey instrument of their choice. However, for skill, however underdeveloped it may have been! Diesel...... Fergal Campbell Bernardo ...... Conor Mc Keown me, magic exists in one place, and one A mere five or six days before the show began, the orchestra ‘came on board’. An Chino...... Ciaran Leonard place only. It sparkles away, amidst the dust orchestra of this proportion is an unusual Pepe ...... Michael Corcoran and despite the creaks, on the hallowed phenomenon with the constraints of an amateur Peter Hain is welcomed to the Abbey by Mr Dermot McGovern, Peter Hain talks with a group of Politics Students. stage of Newry City Hall. production, and to hear the mixture of students, The Jets Headmaster. Also pictured are Dr. J. McCavitt, Senior Teacher What can I say about the magnificent red brick friends and professionals creating melodies and 7th Year Student, Sean Darling. structure that defines the centre of our young exhilarated me and brought me to the realisation Conor Mc Guigan, Niall O’Donnell, city? Well for a start, every Saturday it’s a that this would be a sensational show. Ben Reynolds, Michael Mc Alinden, landmark place for the inebriated to pass out. The week of the show was intense to say the Gerard Begley, David Kirk (Our Town fathers would be so proud.) least. Yet the craic we had in every rehearsal, However, whatever it is to you- to me it’s a very every backstage moment and of course- every Their Girls EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT special place. It was here that I caught the acting second on stage, compensated for the worry bug, and they have yet to find a drug strong and strain it placed on us. For the entire team, Catherine Digney, Eimear Digney, The European Youth Parliament team, competed in Belfast on March 9th 2006 European policies and perhaps more enough to get it out of my system. It’s an old West Side Story wasn’t just another “extra- Meghan Rodgers, Aine Cunningham made up of the following members from against 9 other schools, where they importantly, their magnanimity in being building that, unfortunately, most take for curricular activity,” but a way of life. One of many Emma Rose Carey, Grace Flynn last year’s lower sixth and fifth year, were showed great skill and understanding of EU pipped at the post. This year I will be granted. Inside, is the stage you may have been comical moments was when Mr Smyth walked Naoimh Reilly, Cliodhna Lafferty an extremely competitive and driven group law and policy. Indeed they were very looking for ten more talented debaters shoved onto as a five year old to sing some song into our dressing room (where we were gulping Michael Corcoran, Sean Darling, Jason unfortunate not to go through to stage 3. from lower sixth to compete at the highest about a nice cow with your primary school down take-away food) and far from telling us off, Anybodys...... Conal O’Hare Kelly, Rory McAteer, Conor McCann, Kevin Throughout the campaign they possible level in an attempt to secure stage “choir.” Whatever your experience of it, up until lifted a handful of my chips, nodded, and walked O’Reilly, Conor McKeown, Philip McClory, demonstrated a commitment to their team 3 – any interested students contact Ms. recently it was a living, breathing building, with off again! The Sharks council meetings, shows and festivals all being The easy atmosphere defined the show.There Ronan McDonald & Damien McParland in active research and keen discussion of Reynolds directly (M4). located in, or centred around, the grand was discipline and respect but Mr Smyth always Christopher Kerrin, Ryan Mallon, statement of Victorian civic pride. left ample time for joviality- especially in the final Neil Keenan, Daniel Hughes, The late, great Sean Hollywood was two weeks. I think secretly he was always more Niall O’Flaherty, Stephen Doherty, noted for saying “all you need is two planks and interested in us enjoying the show than the Marcus Mc Keown, Patrick Burns, a passion,” but I must admit, the space, the audience’s experience. Dan Madden, Gregory McChesney 6th YEAR STUDENTS TAKE TIME OUT TO REFLECT technology, the facilities and the happy memories During the show I discovered that tiredness of my own, combine to make City Hall the and coursework did not intertwine well. 3D Their Girls premium venue for a School Production. What Trigonometry, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the KAIROS RETREAT better setting than Newry and Mourne’s finest Electromagnetic Spectrum became of little Rosalia ...... Niamh Morgan theatre to host our attempt at staging the importance to me- my main aim was staying Consuela...... Clodagh Mc Cafferty October, 2006 world’s greatest musical? awake from class to class, but, by Tuesday, things Anita...... Cliodha Murphy West Side Story is a theatrical challenge unlike were (in some way) back to normal. Each night Maria ...... Eimer Mc Daid Where do we begin? Let’s be honest, when any other. A musical that actually jumps off the we performed the show, we were rewarded with Shannon Coghlan, Joel Mc Cafferty we first heard about the Kairos Retreat stage and speaks to the audience it’s being full houses. Before I knew it, the week had passed Bernadette McDermott, Catherine Campbell our initial thoughts were that it would be performed to. It’s not a pretentious piece of and it was the closing night: presents were Cushla Connor a bit of craic and that we would listen to theatre, nor does it attempt to wash over the distributed, roses tied with Abbey CBS ribbons heads of those who have gone to see it.The plot prayers and orders to love God, and then were presented to the girls, I made my ‘thank The Adults is real. The music reflects that reality. From the you’ speech and it was all over! play football for the rest of the day. This earthy base tones to the lilting melodies, to the I have provided you with a slice of the West was not the case. We took part in a life- Doc...... Scott Rafferty sharper and jazzier numbers, they all synchronise Side Story experience. I could go on forever! It changing experience. Schrank ...... Joseph Madden and blend together with the choreography, to was a great show, but more importantly, it was When we arrived in Drumalis Retreat Centre, Krupke...... Patrick McShane create a dazzling score. The story is based the experience of a lifetime. Friendships were Larne, we were given two simple instructions: to Glad Hand ...... Donal Morgan / around the famous Shakespearean tale of forged and cemented through mutual love of the be open to everything and secondly, what we put ...... Thomas Finnegan Romeo and Juliet, but given a panache through stage. The show may be over, but long after all into the retreat we would get out of it. the characterisation that oozes a vibe that is the leaks and creaks have been fixed and Before the retreat we didn’t know some of the undoubtedly from New York City. It is a city that forgotten about and The Abbey is in its new others in our year group. But, as the weekend speaks to us, the Irish, and the themes of racism school building, our production of West Side unfolded, the bond between us grew. We and gang warfare explored throughout the show Story will remain a source of inspiration for the listened, talked and shared our thoughts and are ones we, here, far from the “hot pavements” Abbey thespians and musicians of the future. Isn’t feelings. No one was judged and everyone was and give it your best shot. You will not be EVERYONE involved in the retreat. It was an of the Big Apple, know all too well. If you were in that a pretty special legacy to leave? I think so. encouraged. disappointed. Trust us! It is well worth it. Every experience that changed our lives, forever. the audience, I hope you enjoyed the show. I Conal O’Hare What about future Kairos Retreats? Well, our day we think of what we learned on the retreat Paddy Courntney 61F advice to the present fifth years is to seriously and it has changed us, for the better. Pádraig Poland 61D consider taking part in the next retreat. Be open Finally, I would like to thank Sister Anne and

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Poet’s Corner LAOCH ARD MHACHA: le Pádraig Mac Thiarnáin. (Óráid a bhain comórtas abair.) A tissue of frost laces the ground, On a cold winter’s morning, I wake up in the early morning, Out in the street there isn’t a sound, My dad still snoring, Feeling heavy and weak, Is é an peileadóir is iomráití le teacht amach ó na agus The Red Collier agus Mick Lyons ó chontae agus ag tumadh mar a bheadh rinceoirí ballet ann As I walk on down the street, I look outside my window, I pull aside my curtains, hoileáin seo choíche. Chuala muid i gcónaí thar na Mí. Is iadsan na daoine is tábhachtaí ar agus iad ag scamhlaigh agus ag scairtigh le pian. All I can hear are the leaves under my feet, And see white, fluffy snow. And the landscape looks so bleak. na blianta an comparáid seo a dhéanamh idir fhoireann ar bith, is iadsan cnámhdroma na Ó a Dhia is mór an trua nach mbíonn Francis Bare trees, Maradona, Pele, Cruyff agus a leithéid ach níl na foirne. Bellew ag imirt sna cluichí seo agus ansin bheadh All around, All the people still asleep, The trees are not the same, daoine seo ar dhóigh ar bith inchurtha le laoch Nach raibh an-díoma orainn uilig anuraidh cúis gearáin acu. There is not a wild animal to be found, Outside not a peep. Stripped of leaves and fruit, s’againne. Ní bheadh fir crua sacair ábalta é a nuair nár roghnaíodh Francie Bellew le dul chuig Samhlaigh, a chairde, dá mbeadh Transfers Animals hibernate, My cold breath plumes the air, The colours are so dreary, láimhseáil, ní bheadh Chopper Harris in ann é a an Astráil le páirt a ghlacadh sa sráith idirnáisiúnta idirchondaetha ceadaithe sa pheil ghaelach, bhuel Birds migrate. And all the trees are so bare. And the sound is almost mute. chopáil, ní bheadh Norman, Bite your legs, idir Éire agus an Astráil. By God scóráil Pete más fiú 30 milliúin Rio Ferdinand cad é an luach Winter Days,Winter Days. Hunter, in ann é a bhiteáil, ní bheadh Vinnie, Nuts, McGrath own goal millteanach nuair nár thóg sé a bheadh ar chloigeann Francie. Cé hiad na At midday everyone’s out, A blanket of ice layers the ground, Jones in ann a nuts a squizzeáil. Sea a chairde cé Francie agus a leithéid chun na hAstráíle. Dar himreoirí a mbeadh an tóir is mó orthu agus cé The icy wind nips my skin, And everybody has a cold snout. Bathed in a winter light, gurb iomaí iarracht a rinneadh chun an fear seo m’anam bhí scileanna Francie go mór in easnamh hiad na contaetha a mbeadh an t-airgead mór All the elderly are bullied in, Everybody is off school. The sleet beats the window, a cheansú níor éirigh le duine ar bith é a sna cluichí sin. acu leis na peileadóirí seo a cheannach. An The frozen canal has a layer of ice dense, And they act so, so cool. And the fog descends at night. dhéanamh. Tá an fear seo i mbéal an phobail le Dá mbeadh airgead mór i gceist sa pheil mbeadh Joe Kernan sásta Rio Mc Mena, gabh mo thick and cold, blianta anuas agus is iomaí conspóid a chruthaigh ghaelach cosúil leis an sacar Bheadh Francie leithscéal, Ryan McMenamin agus Eoin Mulligan a Surely this must have been the coldest day ever. At 8 o’clock it’s getting dark, But inside the fire’s blazing, sé mar gheall ar a stíl neamhghnách agus scíl Bellew ar na himreoirí is mó tuarastal, samhlaigh cheannach? An mbeadh duine ar bith sásta Jason So I’ve been told. Everyone comes in from the park. My mother is sipping tea, mínádúrtha. é féin agus Rio Ferdinand ag imirt taobh le taobh, Sherlock a cheannach? Winter Days,Winter Days. At 10 o’clock it’s time for bed, My thoughts then turn to Christmas, Sea, a chairde, tá Francie Bellew ar an imreoir a chairde tá mé ag déanamh go bhfuil a fhios Ní bheimid ábalta na ceisteanna seo a And my ears have turned back from red. With presents, baubles and tree. is cáiliúla agus is conspóidí le teacht ó na hoileáin againn uilig cén duine is éifeachtaí den bheirt sin. fhuascailt choíche ach a lucht éísteachta thig linn Declan Doyle SL2 seo le blianta fada anuas. Is iomaí bainisteoir sa Agus muid ag labhairt faoi chúrsaí sacair a bheith cinnte dearfach de rud amháin, sé sin By Ross Flynn By Stephen Grant tír atá go mór in éad le Joe Kernan de thairbhe cuirtear samhnas orm chan mar gheall ar an nuair a bheas dearmad déanta ar na go bhfuil an fathach mór cineálta seo aige. Bhí airgead mór a shaothraítear sa chluiche sacair ghnáthpheileadóirí, beidh cuimhne go de oar peileadóirí, a raibh na scíleanna céanna acu i ach mar gheall ar an aisteoireacht agus an laochra móra an pheil ghaelach agus ina measc gcónaí le sonrú i stair an pheil ghaelach doaine gheaitsíocht atá le feiceáil ann. Bíonn na siúd beidh ainm Francie Bellew. macasámhail Brian Mullins ó Bhaile Átha Cliath peileadóirí clúiteacha idirnáisiúnta seo ag titim King of The World, to win the title in 1964), is exposed as being suspicion by many in America. This was how completely controlled and manipulated by the Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Muhammad Ali and the Rise Mafia. Indeed his manager, Frankie Carbo, Ali, signifying his membership of the Nation. The SCHOOL TRIPS controlled hundreds of fighters. response from the American public when Ali of an American Hero. Time is spent on Ali’s early years, growing up announced that he was a member is captured In June 2006 a group of third years went to Ice Skating in Dundonald There were three lines, depending on what Author: David Remnick in Louisville, Kentucky. Remnick aptly captures superbly in the book. Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre for a we wanted to eat - burgers, sausages and the mood of the times in America. Racism was Focus is also given to the road to Muhammad’s weekend. On Friday 23rd of October, the first years nuggets. The meal was very tasty and it everywhere in American society and this title fight with Sonny Liston, looking at the The weather was beautiful and the centre headed on a trip to Dundonald Ice Bowl. certainly filled us up, reviving us for going In an ever changing world where the term ‘ manifested itself in a number of forms: whether training of both men, the difference in character was previously used as a training ground for As I boarded the bus to school I felt so bowling! it be the segregation of almost all public facilities and how Muhammad used his mouth to work legend’ is all too often applied to a plethora the Irish Army. comfortable, due to not having a schoolbag We headed off to our lanes and the fun or the role of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. Liston into such frenzy that he actually wanted to of film / showbiz,TV and sports stars, none An unusual feature of this centre was the to carry and being free from the began. I had three strikes but still drew with The impact of all this upon Muhammad was kill Muhammad! Ali defeated Liston, much to the church which is now used for practising top score. After bowling, we played snooker surely can be more deserving of this title immense and he often cited the reason why he shock of everyone except him. Liston had been restrictions of wearing uniform! I was so than one Muhammad Ali. Ali changed the became a boxer as being the ‘fastest way for a previously considered unbeatable. The book rock climbing. One wall has a series of excited. When I arrived at The Abbey the and pool until it was time to go home. As world of sports in the 1960‘s and 70’s, with black person to make it in this country. In an shows how Ali found it hard to gain acceptance stones jutting out as grips. Archery is also buses were just pulling in for our we waited out in the foyer, announcements his electrifying performances in the boxing interesting anecdote the author tells the story of from any group in American society, largely done there. departure at 9.30. I rushed to my form were made about lost jackets and behaviour ring. Ali transformed the world of boxing how, at the age of 12, Muhammad (then known because of his ties to the Nation of Islam. At this We did forest walks as well as kayaking class, anxious to get roll call over so that on the bus. We then headed back to the but he also changed the world itself. He as Cassius Clay), had his bike stolen and it was time, many black people were even unsure as to and for a number of boys the highlight was we could head off on our day out. We Abbey, reminiscing about the great day we’d became the most recognised face on the this incident that motivated him to take up what to make of Ali. the slippery slope where a shiny lorry-cover boarded the bus with my form teacher, had. boxing as he wanted to ‘whup’ whoever had For me, the finest part of the book is at the planet- a dynamic figure in the racial battles is rolled out down a hill and soapy water Miss McAleese, Iveagh 1, Slemish 1, Miss. By Conor Hoey Oriel 1 stolen his bike. end, when it looks at Ali’s decision to refuse the that gripped America at this time. For poured on it before the boys slide down it Mulgrew, Mrs. Boyd and also our year The book provides great insight into how ‘draft’ to go and fight in Vietnam. You get a real on their tummy. It doesn’t sound like a lot millions of African Americans he was a single minded and determined Cassius was once sense of a man of conviction and of principles on head, Mr. Rodgers. It was a long journey to symbol of defiance and resistance against a he took up the sport of boxing.As a teenager he which he wouldn’t compromise. For Ali, the of fun but try it once and you will go back Dundonald, but our excitement, chatting government that preached civil rights and never worked. He just trained and boxed Vietnamese people were inoffensive and he for more. The only downside to it is that and laughter ensured that we hardly equality but all too often failed to translate morning, noon and night. Indeed, at the age of wasn’t going to be forced into going and fighting you end up in mud at the bottom. It might noticed the time going by! these into practice. 12, he would wake at 4 or 5 in the morning, run a white man’s war. Indeed he said ‘ I ain’t got no not be as sophisticated as a theme park but When we arrived at the ice bowl, we This book is less interested in the classic several miles and then work out at the gym all quarrel with the Vietcong’. This quote it is claaa! lined up in our class groups before entering battles that Ali had with fighters such as Frazier. afternoon. transformed his image. For the rest of his life he In October 2006 this year’s Third Years the foyer. We excitedly swapped our shoes Instead, the author devotes his focus to The author captures brilliantly how Cassius would either be loved or hated. went to Killowen and experienced a range over for skates and quickly put them on, examining Ali’s rise from humble beginnings in loved to shoot his mouth off and how this I would recommend this book to anyone who of outdoor activities. infuriated opponents prior to fights and how he has any interest in Muhammad Ali. The author anxious to get on the ice. As I stepped the racially segregated surroundings of Louisville In April 2007 our first years are going hesitantly on to the ice I began to laugh Kentucky, to becoming world heavyweight was able to use this to his advantage during captures the essence of the man, his values, his fights. Throughout his fights, Cassius would determination to succeed and his refusal to over to Manchester and while there the because of all of the slipping and falling - it champion in 1964, with his win over Sonny main attraction will either be Old Trafford Liston. constantly chatter to his opponents with taunts compromise on his core beliefs, no matter what was very funny! I had been at the ice bowl Remnick gives an excellent insight into what such as,‘Come on sucker. Can’t you catch me!’. the potential consequences of this could be. This or Alton Towers. There will also be some twice before, so I found it easy to skate, but the world of boxing was like in the 1940’s and Another fascinating aspect of this book is the book merely serves to reinforce my opinion that parents accompanying the group. the majority of the boys found it very 1950’s. It was a murky world, controlled by the insight it gives you into Ali’s relationship with the Ali is a true legend, an icon and an inspiration. There will also be a Paris trip in difficult, resulting in many ‘slips’ and much Mafia. They controlled every aspect from the Nation of Islam. These were the Black Muslims Rating: 10/10 September 2007 which is only open to amusement! betting on a fight right down to the actual boxers of America. They preached separation from those pupils who are studying French. After about two hours, we reluctantly White society and were regarded with fear and themselves. Sonny Liston (who Ali would defeat changed our shoes and headed for lunch.

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6th YEAR HISTORY STUDENTS VISIT BELGIUM Ambassadors for the Immersion Project selected The experience I had on the Messines in them do not justify the necessity of war in my On the 21st March 2007, a group of ten During their two-and-a-half weeks’ work they The fundraising efforts for the project mean Youth programme is one that I will eyes. During our time in Belgium we visited many students and four teachers from the Abbey will experience the harsh realities of extreme that the work for the group begins months remember for the rest of my life. I was told sites but one which stood out to me was the Grammar School will travel to Livingstone poverty in a way that can only otherwise be before their journey to Zambia. The team’s key that it was to take place in Belgium during German grave yard which in a way looked like a in Zambia.The purpose of their visit is to imagined. financial aim is to donate as much money as very dark place and made me feel that the Since the inception of the project in 2002, a possible to local, specific projects in southern a school week with a few of the lads -to raise awareness of and combat the Germans were an evil population. However, the total of fifteen students and six teachers have Zambia. In this manner, the group is able to me it was a good reason to go! However, Messines experience allowed me to explore in problems of poverty and lack of been to Livingstone.The difference this has made provide the most direct possible link between when I found out more about the depth, the German side of the war and how they educational opportunity in the Developing to lives, both to the privileged and to the needy, where the money is raised and where the programme I became very excited about coped in the trenches and on the battle field.We World. cannot be fully comprehended by anyone money is needed most. As education is a central our week in Belgium. The reason was visited numerous trenches and guard posts. Both Since the first, groundbreaking immersion in without first-hand experience of the project’s aspect of the Immersion Project, the Abbey has because it not only involved us going the Allied trenches and German trenches were 2002, the wider Abbey community has linked the effects - in fact, the importance of first-hand pledged to refurbish a school, providing teachers’ around Belgium visiting World War One similar.They were cold dark places with little or generosity and compassion of the Newry and experience is a fundamental feature of the salaries and students’ fees for the foreseeable memorials and historical sites but it also no shelter, and this was over 80 years ago, so to Mourne Area with the challenge of daily poverty project. The hope is that the experience of life future. in Christian Brothers’ schools in Zambia. The brought us closer to understand the picture the conditions which both sides fought for the world’s most disadvantaged people will On Friday 1st December, at 8.00pm, a Night at and lived in for four and a half years made me Brothers, with four decades of experience in change the outlook of everyone fortunate the Races in aid of the Zambian project took people of Northern Ireland and the shiver. I found it very interesting and worthwhile education and charity work in the country, are in enough to be involved is the cornerstone of the place in the Aylesfort House, Warrenpoint. Republic of Ireland. This was because the and would encourage the youth of today to go ‘ Abbey Students at Thiepval Memorial, Somme Valley. a unique position to realise the hopes and Project. The students return with a renewed Included on the evening was a raffle, race prizes, Messines Programme was about bringing on such programmes if the opportunity arises. This memorial contains the names of over 72 000 dreams of those in Ireland and in Zambia. energy to work for change (many hope to re- a 70’s disco and buffet, and it proved to be a the different religions and cultures of the Daniel Clarke missing soldiers who have no known grave’. While in Zambia (a nation in southern Africa visit Africa in their adult lives), with a deeper great night’s entertainment - and the money whole of Ireland, both north and south, about nine times the size of Ireland, with around understanding of what must be done to bring raised benefited an extremely worthy cause.The together so that we could understand 11 million people), this year’s group will teach in justice to developing nations, and, in the furthest- support of the entire Abbey Community each other and try to work with one the severely under-funded schools, in the reaching effect of the experience, bring their enabled the students and teachers to realise another to create a shared future. Southern town of Livingstone, bringing valuable enthusiasm and knowledge into the school and their dream to make a difference. skills and hope to children and teachers alike. During my stay in Belgium we visited many local community. breathtaking and memorable sites and places. It was a packed week with a big schedule to cover but in the end it was well worth the long walks APPSA Honour Heroes Past and Present under the hot sun! The programme gave us a great in depth history about our forefathers who fought in World War One and widened our eyes ‘ Knee deep and dirty’. An Abbey student gets to ‘ Gas Attack!’. Abbey students sample what it would on how tragic war can be .Such memories like experience first hand what a trench looked like in have been like to have suffered a gas attack, then World war 1 march blind for miles across trenches and the area grave yards with thousands of young men buried around the battlefield.

IN JULY OF 2006 TWO STAFF MEMBERS, MRS OONAGH BYRNE AND MISS DEIRDRE MULGREW VISITED KENYA AS PART OF THE KARIBOU 2006 PROGRAMME

married couple from Canada, 4 Indians and 4 English and Canadians etc), had to queue for KARIBOU 2006 English. Visas while the Irish were issued through-no Visa We had lectures, with speakers being invited required! AN INTERNATIONAL CROSS- from the local Catholic University on Mondays While we were on this particular visit to CULTURAL PROGRAMME Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Tanzania we were invited to visit a local Masai Thursdays we were out on Immersion work.We chief; we met his 9 wives and some of his 70 July 2006 was going to be a very difficult were divided into small groups and some were children! His children were educated by the time for me. I had just wound up a forty involved in Schools, Orphanages, Women’s Aid Christian Brothers in Arusha and were doing year teaching career (thirty eight of which Centres and street kids centres, (most of which particularly well and he was very grateful. were spent in the Abbey) and was suffering were in the slums and the conditions were There are a number of very good schools horrendous). The abject poverty of the area started by the brothers and they are really well withdrawal symptoms. Then I was offered presented a real cultural shock and it is hard to run. In fact Edmund Rice is a very Big Name in the opportunity of taking part in a Cross- believe that there are places so very poor in the both Tanzania and in Kenya. I was astounded on Cultural Programme in Kenya! I jumped at world in 2006. People lived in small tin shacks. one occasion while walking in one of the very 2006 Hogan Cup Winners are presented with a Galway Crystal Football to comemorate their historic victory. Picture with the squad are the chance of doing something very The sewerage was flowing down the middle of poorest slum areas to suddenly come across an Mr. Dermot McGovern, Headmaster, Mr.Aidan O’Rourke, President of APPSA and Special Guest Sean Boylan, former Meath Manager. different and very worthwhile but had the narrow laneways and the smell was Edmund Rice community centre! It was quite some reservations. At my age I wondered abominable. The people, however, were Surreal! On another occasion I saw a sign for a Left: David Barron, wonderful. They were so delighted that we Brother Beausang Catholic Education Centre. I if I could stick the pace of an intensive Ulster School’s Golf would come to their homes. They considered was amazed to find that this centre was named programme and I was apprehensive about Champion is this an honour and asked us to tell the “outside after “our” Brother Beausang. going to Africa! I was delighted when I congratulated on behalf world” about their plight; they were invariably in My experience in Africa was truly wonderful heard that Miss Mulgrew was also going of APPSA by Mr John good form, always laughing and making the best and I really would like to set up some Market for Burns and Mr.Aidan from the Abbey. of what they had. They were particularly the goods produced by the workers in a O’Rourke. The programme allowed 34 participants to delighted to talk to Irish people. We must have Woman’s Centre to which I was assigned. They experience cross-cultural living and community done something right in their country.There was prefer to get markets for their enterprise rather Right:The 1956 service in Africa and to situate life and work in a one particular example of the Irish being singled than depending on charity. In any case I have Corn Na nÓg and Global context. The month long residential out for special treatment for whatever reason! loads of food for thought. I am so grateful for the MacMahon Cup winners programme was based in Nairobi and involved 8 On one weekend the group travelled to Tanzania experience .It is one I will never forget. pictured at the Irish, 12 Australian, (one of which was an to visit the Tarangara Safari Park.At the border all presentation night in the Aborigine), 4 African, 2 from the States, a young the Nationalities with us (Australians, Americans, Oonagh Byrne Carrickdale Hotel.

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Cross Country Winners Celebrate Kick Boxing Ryan Goes For Gold

Mark Millar, Slemish 3, talks to his classmate, Ryan Walsh, about his experiences representing Ireland at the World kick boxing Championships. Mark discovers that Ryan could possibly be world champion some day, as he is already a success for the Irish team, picking up many medals including gold, silver and bronze, at various events.

Q:Well Ryan, how many years have you been involved in kickboxing? A: I have been involved in kickboxing for six years now and I think it’s great. Q:Who inspired you to begin kickboxing? A: My dad inspired me to begin kickboxing because he used to do it when he was younger. Q: Have you recently been in a tournament outside the country? If so, where was it and The Abbey’s outstanding athletes were honoured at this year’s Achievement Prizing giving. These what was it like? include Mark Cox; Niall McCartan, Michael Clarke; Andrew Fitzsimons and Ryan Hudson who A: Yes, I have been in a tournament recently. It came first in the team event at the Down District Cross Country Championship. was the world kickboxing championships in Niall O’Flaherty came second in the All-Ireland ‘A’ Shot Putt and Peter O’Hare came second in Croatia and it was the best craic I have ever had. the All-Ireland ‘B’ High Jump. It was a brilliant experience as we met loads of people from different places around the world, such as the USA, Canada, Portugal, England, Hungary and loads more. Q: Did you pick up any medals at these Iveagh Lift the First Year Title tournaments? A: Yes, I got third place at the world championships. Abbey Grammar First Year Blitz Final Iveagh 4-4 (16 points) to Oriel 4-2 (14 Q: Who all went with you to these Iveagh vs. Oriel points) tournaments? Although this match was tightly contested in A: My dad and my sister went with me along The Abbey playing fields hosted the first the first half, Iveagh began to pull away in the with the other qualified members of the Irish second. Connaire Mackin got Iveagh off to a year final between Iveagh and Oriel.These team. These people were from Sligo, Cork, good start with a point early in the second half. two teams had dominated the league and Derry, and all over. Soon after centre half forward, Cathal Foye, hit Q: When do think you will have your next deserved a place in the final. Weather his first point after he was played in by Cathal Mc spar? conditions were ideal with little or no Keown, his half forward partner. Aiden Conlon A: My next tournament will be in breeze. then added to his tally with a well taken goal to Carrickmacross on the third of December. Oriel got off to a great start and found the net put Iveagh seven points up. Oriel came close on Q: Do you think we will see you competing as through a Michael Fitzpatrick penalty. Aiden a couple of occasions through Brian Murphy and a professional in years to come? Conlon steadied the ship, knocking over two Jack Maguire but Rowan Cull opened the scoring A: I hope you will see me in years to come as I points for Iveagh before Connaire Mackin also for Oriel in the second half. They then added progress through my kickboxing career. scored a penalty giving Iveagh a two point another point through Michael Fitzpatrick.This is advantage. Mark Sands, the Iveagh goalkeeper, when Iveagh started to get a grip on the game The Abbey Way wishes Ryan and our other Kick made a couple of fine saves but could not again and Cathal Foye, this time put through by Boxing Champions, the Donnelly brothers, Gavin prevent Jack Maguire firing the ball home from Cathal McNamee, fired the ball into the top and Seán, every success in the future. close range. Oriel then tagged on a couple of corner of the net. Aiden Conlon hit yet another points through their captain, Conor Martin. In the point and Connaire Mackin yet another goal. space of about three minutes Iveagh were in Iveagh then made their final substitution and HURLING GETS A front through the in-form Aiden Conlon who brought on Donal Burnes for Ryan McKinley. scored a point from a free. Iveagh were now Oriel’s captain, Conor Martin, then scored the KICK START cruising - the influential Tadgh Murdock scoring a goal of the match by hitting a fierce shot into the Hurling is the fastest field sport and here goal and a point followed by Connaire Mackin top corner of the net from twenty one yards in the Abbey we are looking to set up a who scored his second goal of the match. Oriel out. Aiden Conlon scored the last point of the team. We are looking for as many people corner back, Peter Doran, ended this period of game to bring his personal tally to 1-5 (8 points). as possible and then hopefully go on to Iveagh dominance by getting his foot to the ball Ciaran Murphy, Darren Mc Govern and Paul in a goalmouth scramble and this put Oriel one Hearty all had solid games for Iveagh in defence play other schools. It is a sport that I love point ahead. This was before a scrappy period and Jonathan O’ Hare also had a fine game in playing and I’m sure that if you start with both teams giving the ball away and fouling midfield. Michael Martin, Rowan Cull, Deglan playing it you will love it as well.There are unnecessarily. As half time approached, full- Jennings and Paddy Reel played well for Oriel. many people in the school who play for forward, Joe Byrne, finished off a fine Iveagh Final Score: Iveagh Oriel clubs and are very good hurlers so if you move by rounding the keeper and coolly slotting 7-9 (30 points) 6-3(21 points) come to the training you will learn to play the ball into the net leaving the half time score: hurling and make some friends.

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