The next Block of After school Study for 3rd and 6th Years is starting next Tuesday, Jan 21st, from 6pm to 9pm. With the pre-exams rapidly approaching, this may be a good study option for many students.
First Year Parent Teacher Meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan 21st, 2020 from 4.15pm to 6.30pm.
Hard work works.
One year ago, our under 16 boys made their way to Killorglin on a damp and dreary Tuesday morning. Our mission was to gain a place in the All Ireland quarter finals. On that occasion, the hosts had packed the hall with hundreds of supporters and the Skib boys wilted under their roaring presence. Half way through the third quarter, we found ourselves 18 points adrift and the list of those in foul trouble was growing rapidly.
With the game seemingly lost, three of our first five fouled out and Tomás and James on 4, I looked to the bench. Forlorn faces stared back at me. During a timeout, we decided to throw everything we had at the Kerry champions. The game appeared to be over, we had nothing to lose. While every member of the squad dragged us from the ashes, two boys starred in the resurrection. Robbie Minihane's towering presence radiated through the team. Having the Haven man on your side is a tonic for tired limbs. On the other side of the court, Eividas who had come off the bench transformed into a shooting machine, sinking 4 three pointers in a row with razor - like accuracy. The seed was set and SCS went on to record one of its most famous victories.
On Thursday last, the sides were due to meet again. On this occasion, we enjoyed home advantage and we are deeply thankful to Jenny and NIall in the Sports Centre for making this wonderful facility available to us. A year on, the much anticipated battle with the Kerry champions turned out to be a one - sided affair. From tip to final buzzer, SCS took full charge of the action and the 70 to 25 point score difference is a true reflection of the match. As a spectacle, the game did little to ignite our tiny band of enthusiastic supporters but we thank those who cheered the side on and hope that the first and second years present will be inspired to follow in the under 16s inspirational footsteps. An All Ireland play off is an event to be celebrated.
The Eividas that took the challenge to Killorglin a year ago is a transformed figure now. On Thursday, he controlled the game, launched our attacks and slotted 25 points to our score. There is no doubt about it, hard work works and no one works harder than Eividas. Tom Kavanagh is another player who is unrecognisable from last year. Tom scored 16 points and dominated the boards on both sides of the floor. The exciting Brian O'Driscoll delighted the supporters with his classy manoeuvres and produced 16 points. In a defensive role, Colm Harrington and Daniel Buckley tormented Killorglin, stifling their attempts to score with ferocity. Every member of the SCS squad played their part but there are sterner tests ahead and courage is not tested in games like this.
Having suffered a heavy defeat in their first game, Killorglin looked an exhausted side when they went on to the court again against Clonmel giving the Tipperary champions an easy victory. This meant the final game between SCS and Clonmel would determine who would get the coveted All Ireland quarter final spot. Having beaten Clonmel in the Cup semi earlier in the year, some of the Skib boys could have been guilty of complacency. To blithely predict an easy victory before the throw in is a fool's game to play. When it goes wrong, it can go horribly wrong and teams are vulnerable after an easy win. In the opening half of this thrilling game, Clonmel belittled their own expectations. Form went out the window and a new belief had set in. Perhaps their victory over Killorglin had strengthened their resolve.
The Skib boys were tested to the limit in this opening half. When a game is in the melting pot and passions are running high, our character is tested. Tom Kavanagh stood tall, took the fight to Clonmel, exploded into the action, drove purposefully and had a stunning game on both sides of the floor. But Clonmel continued to throw everything at us and their tall, physical forwards were putting a huge strain on our ability to get rebounds. The fouls were mounting and Maria was quick to alert us to the growing tally. Daniel's tenacious defence adds steel to our play but his fouls were adding up too and with 3 minutes left in the second quarter, he picked up his fourth. Going forward we will have to address this weakness as we had four boys on 4 fouls going into the last quarter.
Stevie Redmond and Eividas had mercurial performances in this game. Stevie produced some awesome assists and contributed 19 points to the scoreline, while Eividas controlled the game and recorded his biggest personal tally to date of 31 points. Colm oozes class in his defensive role and his sheer work rate is fantastic to witness. As the second half progressed, SCS' dominance grew. The passes flowed, the openings appeared and the fast break led to a huge amount of scores, culminating in a 70 to 38 point winning margin.
The side will go on to meet St Peter's Wexford who have defeated the Cork runners up, Castletownbere, on Monday January 10th in the NBA in Tallaght. The semi final will be played later in the day.
I would like to acknowledge the huge influence of Coach Steve Redmond on our team and the invaluable work being done in the Skibbereen Eagles Club, Jenny Brickley who left no stone unturned in her preparation of the Sports Centre for our play offs, Niall who made the hall available to us last minute as the Parent Teacher meeting was going on in SCS, the fabulous team who did the table Áine, Maria, Garry, Ellie and Robbie and Mr O'Donnabháin for organising the supporters. We appreciate all those who went to the trouble of making sandwiches, baking and making this occasion one we will remember for many years to come.
Finally a big thank you to the wonderful boys in this team for their hard work and commitment to training. Ye are true SCS ambassadors and great role models for the younger students to follow.
Good luck to the team in next Monday's All Ireland Cup final and a huge thank you to Principal Anton O'Mahony for generously supporting this event. The game will be live streamed on the Basketball Ireland web site at 11am so ye can follow the action.
Pictured are two of our TY students in a 360 degree simulation of Sydney Harbour at the NMCI National Maritime College on the first day of IWish campus Week. IWish campus week was officially opened by Marguerite Sayers President of Engineers Ireland along with CIT President Dr. Barry O’Connor and co-founder of IWish Ruth Buckley.
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2020
Time: First talks start at 9.30am to Last talk starts at 2.00pm
Duration: Full Day
Location: University of Limerick Campus, Ireland.
Saturday, January 18th
Our open day is planned with you in mind. This is your best chance to see the University in action and get a real feel for our campus. This event is aimed at anyone considering study at UL – undergrad, postgrad, mature, part-time professional etc. Open Day is your day so make the most of it!
All prospective students are invited to attend our open day where you can meet with our staff, students and graduates. Come along and get more information on our full-time, part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities; - Course talks - Campus tours (inc student accommodation) - Information stands (fees, scholarships, careers etc) - Seminars and workshops
Learn more about the alternative pathways of entry to UL at a seminar on the day.
Hard luck to our U19 Boys Basketball Team and their coach Ms. Marie O Mahony, who despite a gallant effort lost to Clonmel by 38 points to 49 and lost by 45 points to 67 to Pobailscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in the second game. Thanks to the lads and their coach for a great All- Ireland Journey and for representing us so well.
SCS students pictured with their teacher Ms. Breen & Principal Mr. O’Mahony at the young scientist competition.
Congratulations to our Junior Ladies Football Team and their coach Ms. Ella Ryan on winning their Munster Semi-Final today in Clonakilty. They beat Mount Mercy on a scoreline of 6-9 to 3-7.
Congratulations to our U16 Boys Basketball Team and their coach Ms. Marie O’Mahony on beating Killorglin and Clonmel in the Sports Centre today and qualifying for the All- Irelands in Dublin.
SCS students pictured with Dr. Tony Scott, co-founder of the Young Scientist competition and with Mr. George Lee from RTÉ.
The school were delighted to welcome Margaret Crean to SCS to chat to our 1st Year Students on important matters such as adolescence, puberty, self-management and personal hygiene.
Both the boys and girls had separate talks of approximately 80 minutes duration and the school is grateful to both Ms. Hayes and Mr. Levis (Year Heads) for organising.
Pictured below are the winners of the BAM sponsored Green Schools Poster Competition.
Each winner received a reusable crested water bottle.
Many thanks to the Green Schools Committee, all the student entrants, Ms. Una McNulty (Teacher) and Mr. Tom Vaughan (Facilities Manager).
Best of luck to our TY team of Hugh O Driscoll, Aine McCarthy, Kate O Donovan, Laura O Brien and their teacher Ms. Mags Breen who are representing our school at the BT Young Scientist Competition in Dublin this week. The girls project is about the causes of Irish beach closures due to poor water quality. Hugh’s title is -What is the the social and economic impact of 1 gigabyte broadband connectivity on a rural Irish Town.
Reminder that the 5th Year Parent/Teacher Meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan 9th from 4.15pm until 6.30pm.
The atmosphere was electric on our last day of term before the Christmas holidays. First and Second Years had a monster Christmas Quiz in the canteen. The Music Department and School Choir provided the entertainment. The tables were sprinkled with choc celebrations before Liam and Jack bravely took to the stage for their sponsored headshave for the Irish Cancer Society. Mr. Edmund Ring, Barber did the honours. There were plenty of gasps from the crowd as the electric shaver got to work. Well done to the lads for doing this in front of the whole school. Many thanks to Ms. Karen Sheane, Year Head for organizing. Well done to the 6th Years who also raised alot of money through their fundraising activities. Many thanks to the RE Department for organizing prizes for the best Christmas Jumpers. Mr. O Mahony, Principal thanked all involved and wished all students, staff and their families a very Happy Christmas.
We had a great turn out for the Pedal Powered Cinema Fundraiser. Over 800euro was raised for the school’s sports fund. Teams of rotating student and teacher volunteer cyclists keep the “Grinch” Movie powered for its duration. Popcorn and Hot chocolate provided the fuel. Many thanks to Ms. Maire Keating for her idea and trojan work in organizing the event. Many thanks to our volunteer cyclists, staff who manned the different stations, parents council who provided the refreshments, office staff who sorted the tickets, Ken from Pedalscents and all the local businesses who provided sponsorship. It was a memorable festive event!
Pictured here are our students helping to collect food for the annual St. Vincent De Paul Food Appeal. We wish to sincerely thank all of our staff and students who contributed to this worthy cause.
Donations can still be given to Ms. Orla O’Sullivan. Many thanks to our religion teachers for organising the appeal.
Congratulations to our Junior Ladies Football team and their coach Ms. Ella Ryan who beat Kenmare Community School today in the Quarter Final of the Munster Championship. Well done folks!
Pictured are our First Year Students who have exemplary attendance records since starting in September. Their efforts were acknowledged by the Principal Mr. Anton O Mahony, Deputy Principal Mr. Tom Foley, Year Head Ms. Anne Hayes, SCP team members, Ms. Mandy Twomey and Mr. Roger Earl. They were presented with certificates and canteen vouchers in a special ceremony today. This is part of TUSLA’s “Every School Day Counts” Initiative. The next stage challenge starts in January.
These are exciting times for the hardworking basketball players of SCS. The much anticipated date for the upcoming All-Ireland Cup final has been set for Monday the 20th of January at 11 o’clock in the National Basketball Stadium in Tallaght, where we take on formidable opposition in St Joseph's of Rochfortbridge. Being the All Ireland final, the match will be streamed live so all those who cannot travel to Dublin will see us in action on the screen and hopefully cheer as joint captains Eividas and Stevie lift the cup.
Fantastic First years win the county final.
Last weekend, many of our first year boys were in action in the county final for the Skibbereen Eagles club against a very strong Bantry side. Anyone who was lucky enough to witness this pulsating contest will not forget it. Indeed with six seconds left on the clock, star forward Steven sent the Bantry side into the lead by a single point and Bantry's victory looked assured. The large crowd of Bantry supporters were a vocal presence now and celebrated in style cheering what looked like a famous victory.
But what happened next is the stuff of dreams. Under the inspired guidance of Jenny and Shelley Brickley, the Skib team showed resilience beyond their tender years. Sean Connolly flung a pass in the direction of the brilliant Finn Brickley, who drove past three Bantry defenders and shot in the direction of the basket. Time stood still. All eyes stared at the hoop waiting for the ball to drop. Just as the ball sunk into the net, putting Skib back in the lead, the buzzer for full time went off and the celebrations began in earnest.
All-Ireland Play Offs
SCS has been handed the honour of hosting both the under 16 and under 19 All-Ireland Playoffs on the 12th and 19th of January. Let us do everything in our power to make the All-Irelands a memorable occasion for all of our visitors.