Holy Family SNS

Congratulations to the senior boys gaelic team who are playing in the Cumann na nGael FINAL in Croke Park on Saturday 12th December. Well done to all the team who have put in so much work at training. Well done to Mr. Doyle and Ms. Keely for all their hard work and thanks to all the parents who give their support throughout the year!
Buses are being organised from the school for anyone who would like to come along. Throw-in is at 11.45 am.
Come along to support them if you can!!!
[click on picture to enlarge]

Corn Cumann na nGael

Sacred Heart, Ballygall 4-9 Holy Family, Rivervalley 3-7

Despite the valiant efforts of all concerned our team was defeated in the dying minutes of a thrilling game.
The Evening Herald report stated that, "Ballygall beat Rivervalley in a tremendous Cumann na nGael final.....The Swords side had a quality mid-field, Billy Murtagh and Stephen McGivern......The goalkeeper Christian Conway made on of the best saves seen at HQ this year. He made a one-handed stop at full stretrch to deny Darragh McHugh.......The tie was level twice. Ballygall led most of the way. Late on Rivervalley edged in front, but two quick goals sealed it for the winners."
We were winning by a point with tem minutes to go. Despite Ballygall scoring two quick goals in succession in the last five minutes we never dropped our heads but instead fought back with a goal of our own.
Unfortunately the clock beat us and we finished five points in arrears.
Mr. Doyle was proud of their dedication and committment to the cause right to the final whistle. The spirit they showed will stand them in good stead for future battles on the playing fields of Ireland.
Mr. Doyle would like to thank St. Finian's G.A.A. club for organising the bus from the club and the party afterwards and in particular James Devlin, club coach, for his support throughout the campaign.
For the panel, all of whom featured during the game, they can tell their grandchildren they played on the hallowed turf - an opportunity afforded very few. Thanks to all the supporters who turned out on the weekend.
The school would like to thank Mr. Doyle and Ms. Keely for their time spent training the team and bringing them to and from fixtures. We would also like to thank the teachers and parents who helped in many different ways. If you want to help out in the future please let us know.

School Text Service
Short Messaging Service

The concerns regarding Swine Flu have given added impetus to the need to provide the school with a cost effective, immediate communication service to parents/guardians.
We chose SchoolText.ie as our provider. We chose the text service that allows schools to send unlimited texts to registered mobile phones for an annual fee of €5 per phone. This service is cost neutral to the school and very reasonable for the parent body.
This facility has many benefits e.g. contacting class groups, teams, homework club and to counter truancy etc. in urgent cases when the service is fully operational. Those who register will receive a text message prompting activation.

Wheelchair Camogie Match

Kerrie, a 6th class pupil, reports on a very succesful wheelchair camogie match that was organised by James Devlin - St. Finian's G.A.A. coach and former past pupil.

A wheelchair camogie matchtook place between me and my friends on Thursday, 15/10/2009 in the community Centre. James Devlin organised the event. A lot of time and planning went into the match and it was a great success. We raised €360 for The Irish Wheelchair Association. James got Keith from the I.W.A. to accept the cheque.We had a five aside match. I was on the winning team (the blue team). I chose who got to play the match and who was on each team. I really enjoyed this match because I played a camogie match with my friends while raising money for the I.W.A.Both teams were presented with trophies by Dublin senior footballer - Barry Cahill. (Article by Kerrie Gavin)

Irish Schools Swimming Association
[Leinster Branch]
Minor Schools Championship
Sun 15th Nov 09

Congratulations to Rachel, Sinead, Faye, Jean and Ali for their winning exploits at the recent championships. Congratulations also to their coaches who so diligently prepared them for the event. Perhaps more pupils will be encouraged to become involved with the A.L.S.A.A. Swimming Club - to promote their own fitness and well-being. The school are delighted to reflect in their achievement and hope that the Aquatics section of the P.E. curriculum, available to all the pupils, will inspire others to become more involved in water-based sports.