3rd year students making St. Bridget's Crosses on the eve of her feast day.
St. Brogan's College 2 - 4 Skibbereen Community School
Report by Sean Spenser
The first game of the Cork Cup was never going to be an easy game, but you could argue the draw was kind to Skibbereen with an away trip to Bandon in a game where they were big favourites going into the game.
Nine minutes in, Isaac Harte picked the ball up and beat three men with a drop of the shoulder and some nice skill. He had nothing else going on so decided to have a strike from 20 odd yards out. It wasn't the cleanest of strikes and was rapidly dipping as it was approaching the goalkeeper. It sneaked in just under the keepers body to make it 1 - 0. It looked like the game would be business as usual! Just after the kick-off Jamie O' Driscoll produced a magnificent piece of skill to nutmeg his man and laid it off to Isaac Harte on the edge of the box. He decided to shoot from distance again, this time striking the bar!
Twenty five minutes in Bandon won a questionable free-kick when Thomás O' Mahony was shielding the ball near the box and the referee said it was obstruction. This was not the first poor refereeing decision in this match and it wouldn't be the last! Skibbereen were clearly annoyed by this decision and as the ball came in no one was concentrating. The Bandon player was given a free header which Cormac McCarthy just managed to get his fingertips to, but it just struck the post and went in. Half time came at 1-1 which Skibbereen would've been very disappointed with.
After thirty six minutes a Bandon corner was put in and another free header from a Bandon player saw the ball trundle into the bottom right corner. 2 - 1! Just like that a total reversal of the game! In the 44th minute a ball into the box allowed Jamie O' Driscoll to head the ball at the goal, while an unorthodox attempt from him, he gave it a good effort. However as the ball hit the back of the net the ref disallowed the goal. He said Isaac Harte made an action towards the ball when he tried to head it as well. Only problem with this decision was that Isaac Harte was onside! The defender on the line was keeping him onside the whole time! It was clear that Skibbereen would not get the rub of the green when it came to refereeing decisions in this match!
One minute later James McCarthy fought to win back the ball and then keep the ball off of three Bandon players, all of which were bigger than him! The poor decision had ignited something deep inside him as he held off three players at once allowing him time to play the ball to Isaac Harte. Isaac had the easy task of beating a man on the edge of the box and drilling it into the bottom left corner. I say easy because everything seemed easy for Isaac Harte in this game!
In the 50th minute Isaac picked it up on the halfway line. He spun his man and played a through ball to Jamie O' Driscoll to run onto. He got there before his man, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Fortunately it fell kindly allowing him to have a second bite at the cherry. He made no mistake and all people involved in Skibbereen let out a sigh of relief (along with a terrific roar) as they saw the ball roll across the line into the back of the net. 3 - 2 and Skibbereen were finally back in the lead. On the 56th minute Isaac Harte took a long shot to try and bury the game. His shot struck the very left of the crossbar and bounced away. It looked like he would not secure his hat-trick that his performance deserved.
Alas, 2 minutes before the full time whistle Robbie Minihane cleared the ball and it fell to Isaac Harte on the halfway line. He powered through with the ball to make it one on one with the keeper. He calmly slotted home to the keepers left. A hat-trick and a win secured in the bag.
After a myriad of bad refereeing decisions it looked like Skibbereen may have lost hope. However a couple of unsung heroes pulled the team together and made sure to do the dirty work leaving Isaac Harte to steal the headlines and score a bag of goals.
Man of the Match: Isaac Harte - On a day where there was a fantastic team performance which showed great character and resilience to come back after being pegged back there was only one man who could have got the Man of the Match award. With a hat-trick and an assist he was superb and was a real driving force. On multiple occasions he turned defence into attack due to his shear willingness to run at players and take them on. There are no more superlatives to describe his performance as words cannot explain the quality of the performance he had out there today.
Starting XI: Cormac McCarthy, Feilim O'Donovan, John Leahy, Robbie Minihane, Tomás O'Mahony, James McCarthy, James O'Neill, Jamie O'Driscoll, Liam McCarthy, Isaac Harte, Donnacha Maguire.
Substitutes: Jack O' Brien (Donnacha Maguire), Eoin Murran (John Leahy)
Big thanks to St. Brogans for having us down. Unfortunate weather and pitch conditions, but the match was still very enjoyable. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future sporting escapades!
PROJECT WORK DEADLINES
LEAVING CERT
1. Engineering -10th March
2. Ag Science - 8th April
3. Home Economics - 28th April
4. Geography - 28th April
5. History - 28th April
6. Construction - 28th April
JUNIOR CERT
1. Metalwork - 7th April
2. Music - 7th April
3. Woodwork - 28th April
4. Science - 28th April
5. CSPE - 28th April
6. Art - 2nd May
Here are a few photos from yesterday's inter school's show jumping competition at Wayne Santry's equestrian centre. It was run by Bandon Grammar School.
Jumping were Zoe & Hanna in the 80 cm rounds & Amy & Martha in the 1 metre rounds.
A lovely day for jumping!
Our Enrolment Evening was held on Thursday 26th January. Below are some photographs taken at the event.
The first year basketball team got their league campaign off to a good start last Tuesday throwing aside the challenge of a spirited Mount Saint Michael team. The final score of 32 to 16 does not reflect the supremacy of the SCS panel and it is something we have to take on board for the games that follow. The Skibbereen sides final score of 32 does not reflect the huge number of relatively easy chances that we got.
Ross were first to score and that was the last time they led. Aided by some swift passing and excellent teamwork , Evidas Andreikus was released and responded with three beautifully taken baskets in a row. Evidas is one of those players who is a joy to watch. His control of the game, skill and intelligent approach to play is central to everything that is good about the team.
From start to finish of this game, the Castlehaven duo of Thomas O'Mahony and the brilliant Robbie Minihane tormented the opposition with their masterful 'Haven' spirit in defence. Robbie dominated the boards with majestic rebounding and contributed 6 points in offence. The tenacious Thomas kept the Rosscarbery team's stars quiet from start to finish of this game. Very quiet.
James O'Neill was another player to really impress in this match. His defence was superb as always and he added 6 points in attack, his scores often coming at vital times when Ross were threatening to ignite their attack..
Stevie Redmond took over the point guard role for the second five and created some wonderful scoring opportunities with his purposeful passes and skillful attacking play. However once again, we squandered far too many of these opportunities. In this quarter, Skib only scored two baskets and Killian Gray took both.
In the second half, the SCS team dominated the action all over the court with some beautifully executed moves and added a further 18 points to the score. Some of these were spectacular long shots from Stevie and Captain Adam. However, we continued our careless short shooting which is something we will have to get right before our next game in two weeks time.
The first year boys team are a very hardworking group who train when many of you are asleep at 7.30 in the morning on Friday and sometimes Wednesdays. They also train four times a week at lunchtimes. They deserve what ever success comes their way as they are willing to make it happen.
Team. Captain Adam O'Regan, Thomas O'Mahony, Robbie Minihane, Evidas Andreikus, James O'Neill, Stevie Redmond, Ultan O Donovan, Eoghan Barry, Teddy Gallagher, Finn Blackburn, Keith McCarthy, Killian Gray.
Skibbereen Community School 2 - 1 Coláiste Choilm
Report by Sean Spenser.
The first year Munster Cup consisted of a 3 team group for the first round. With a well earned point against Kinsale all Skibbereen needed was to go away to Ballincollig and get a point to proceed through.
With neither team having any major chances early on, it was looking like Skibbereen may try and grind out a point. However 15 minutes in, James O'Neill stepped up to put in a corner. The delivery was great, right in the corridor of uncertainty. Captain Robbie Minihane met it well and rippled the roof of the net with a header. 1 - 0 - a goal arguably against the run of play. Going into half time it was 1 - 0 and Skibbereen were happy with the lead, but would have liked a second to make sure.
There was a few chances in the second half with Ballincollig on top and both goalkeepers making some great saves. 49 minutes into the game Isaac Harte managed to break the defensive line with the ball. When he went one on one, a small bit of hesitation allowed the defender to recover. Isaac somehow managed to slip the ball through to the oncoming James O'Neill who placed it down low to the keepers right. A great counter attacking move to make it 2 - 0. It looked like Skibbereen had saved themselves from any complications to finish the game, however Ballincollig wanted to make life as tough as possible throwing everything they had left. The Skibbereen defence made a couple of crucial blocks and more importantly Cormac McCarthy making some fantastic saves. However, one minute before the final whistle was scheduled to blow, a Ballincollig player took a hopeful shot which looked like it would bounce before reaching the goal. This played into his favour as it left the keeper with an awkward situation - presume the ball would take a normal bounce and dive, or hope it would bounce awkwardly and stay feeted. He took the former and unfortunately he was incorrect. I think Cormac McCarthy had earned his right to let in a goal as he had an outstanding game. That's how it finished, 2 - 1.
Man of the Match: James O'Neill - A number of people could have won Man of the Match with brilliant team performace rather than a few individuals. With the center midfielder looking a bit tired early on he picked up the pace and as the game went on, he turned out to have a fantastic game. He played a couple of long balls which split the defence apart. His delivery for the corner which got Skibbereen their first goal was inch perfect and his finish for the second was equally as well placed. As Ballincollig began their onslaught he was equally adept with his defensive work.
Starting XI: Cormac McCarthy, Feilim O' Donovan, John Leahy, Robbie Minihane, Tomás O'Mahony, James McCarthy, James O'Neill, Jamie O'Driscoll, Liam McCarthy, Isaac Harte, Donnachadh Maguire.
Substitutes: Steven Redmond (Liam McCarthy), Jack O'Brien (Jamie O' Driscoll), Cillian Gray (Steven Redmond), Matthew Murnane (Feilim O' Donovan).
Thanks to Coláiste Choilm for having us and we wish you the best of luck in the Cork Cup!
The French and Home Economics Departments teamed up yesterday to bake chocolate croissants. These 4th Year Chefs spoke French to give the kitchens a continental feel. C'était Magnifique!
Pictured below are some of our Transition Year students at Skibbereen Luncheon Club recently.
Hard luck to the our Junior Ladies Football team who lost to St.Brigid's, Killarney by two points in the Munster Quarter Final last Thursday, January 19th.
Hard luck to the Senior Ladies Football Team who lost to Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Glanmire by 3 points in their Munster Quarter Final yesterday, January 23rd.
Many thanks to the squads and their coaches, Mr. Patrick Hayes and Mr. Tony Harrington who have put in trojan work since September. Heads high! You did your School proud!
Well done to our U16 Boys who beat Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig last Friday in the first round of the County Championship. They won on a scoreline of 3-18 to 2-8.
Please note that Skibbereen Community School will be closed this Thursday 26th January & Friday 27th January to facilitate Junior Cycle and Staff Training.
A superb performance from Skibbereen Community School saw our cadette 'A' basketball team defeat a heavily fancied Glanmire side and book their place in the All Ireland Play offs in Ursuline Sligo. Áine Keating and Tríona Murphy were the Skibbereen sides top scorers against Glanmire. Lana Dillane controlled the defence but it was a spirited performance from everyone on the panel.
And so the daunting task of getting our team to Sligo began in earnest. A first year Olympic Handball tournament, our Principal Mr. O'Mahony, a cake sale and a guess the sweets in a jarcompetition helped us to make this journey possible. Ms O' Mahony would like to thank the wonderful transition year students Kate, Lisa, Katie, Samirah, Abbie and many others who generously offered to help in our time of desperate need.
Strangely at the last minute, the hosts Ursuline Sligo pulled out of the tournament and we were now faced with the journey to North Mayo and the town of Kiltimagh. The team, kindly accompanied by the fantastic Ms. Breen left Skibbereen at eleven and arrived in Kiltimagh almost seven hours later. Ms O'Mahony's plan to have a session in the hall was no longer possible as the journey had sapped every ounce of energy the girls had.
In the first game, SCS faced a well organised Killtimagh side. This was a closely fought game from start to finish with Áine Keating and Shelley Brickley particularly effective in offence. The high standard of refereeing took us by surprise as travelling and fouls are not tolerated by the Western officials to the same extent as in Cork. Lana, our top defender got into foul trouble early on and our task of curbing a strong attacking offence became harder. To be fair, Áine Seymour stepped into her role and had an excellent game. At the final whistle, the Skibbereen side lost by two baskets.
The Loreto Letterkenny team were always going to provide sterner opposition and we were well aware of this heading into the game. They had thrown aside the challenge of Killtimagh earlier in the day. Despite facing a much tougher team, every Skibbereen girl gave everything in the pursuit of victory. Again Áine Keating stood out for her sheer determination. Orla O'Driscoll and Saidbh Redmond really upped their performance andscored some excellent long range shots.
But there was no stopping the penetrative play of Letterkenny. Their point guard was superb and their high low post play highly effective. Added to that their long range shooting was excellent from start to finish. Letterkenny are leading the Northern challenge in the club 'A' league and it was blatantly obvious why from their play in this game. Despite loosing by ten points , the Skibbereen side can be very proud of their efforts in this game in particular. They never put their heads down and gave everything on the court. They have made history by being the first SCS basketball team to reach the All Ireland Play off stage. No doubt many great teams will follow.
May we wish the first and second year girls and boys the best of luck in their league which is starting next week.
Congratulations to 2nd year student Grace Hendy who has been selected as a semi-finalist in the Doodle 4 Google "If I could create anything it would be..." competition. Grace is pictured below with the certificate she received and also pictured is an image of her doodle.
5th year students planting herbs for the Home Economics room.
Coláiste Muire 4 - 1 Skibbereen Community School
Match Report by Sean Spenser
With poor weather and a poor pitch it was certainly going to be a game where you did not want to go behind first. Unfortunately for Skibbereen they did. Shortly after kick off number 11 easily knocked the ball past the Skibbereen defence to whip a dangerous ball into the corridor of uncertainty. The number 9 was first to the ball, took one touch and saw the goal keeper was slow to go down to the ball and slotted it through his legs. For the rest of the first half Skibbereen were massively under the cosh with Cobh utilizing the flanks heavily. Most of the chances were coming through their left side. Barry Collins had a big first half making some fantastic saves to keep his team in the game.
Mid-way through the second half number 11 for Cólaiste Muire ran down the left wing and had an early shot which caught goalkeeper Barry Collins off guard and hit the back of the net. Soon after, Cobh decided to end the game with a quickfire double as a long hopeful ball was headed to the ever-so reliable Jack Collins with what seemed to be a lot of space. However his chest down was far too heavy and fell to the Cobh player who struck it first time on the half volley into the bottom corner, an unstoppable strike. Late on in the game Barry Collins came outfield and Daniel McCarthy went in goal. Chris Connolly and Muirios Waugh came onto the pitch and at this point the game changed. Whether it was all three new outfielders or just one of them, something clicked. I'm sure they will all argue their point. Barry Collins played a beautifully weighted pass to Chris Connolly who stopped the ball on the edge of the box by the byline. He shimmied and executed a great cutback to Dermot Hegarty on the edge of the box. He took one touch onto his left foot and hit it near post. It dribbled in past the keeper who hadn't been tested all game and couldn't deal with the first test.
Any hope Skibb might have had was soon put to bed as one long ball along the ground set number 11 free whose first time left footed shot left goalkeeper Daniel McCarthy standing, as the ball drilled in near post. The last highlight of the match was when Muirios and Dermot pulled off a sweet one-two allowing Dermot to chest it down and strike it on the volley with his left foot from distance, but was in dismay as he saw the ball swerve at the last second and strike the post.
Man of the Match: Patrick Bergin - The right back playing at left back had the best performance for the Skibbereen side. He stopped almost all the attacks down his side and was solid on the ball. Unfortunate to get injured halfway through the second half.
Starting 11
Barry Collins, Andrew Whelton, Patrick Bergin, Jack Collins, Conor Hourihane, Michael Meaney, Dermot Hegarty, Eoghan O'Neill , Aaron O' Sullivan, Alan Leonard, Jason Murray.
Used Substitutes
Ciaran O'Dwyer, Mark Keohane, Chris Connolly, Muirios Waugh, Daniel McCarthy.
Unused Substitutes
David Petrikauskas, Seán Finn Gallagher Spenser
The Third Year Parent-Teacher meeting will be held in the school tomorrow Thursday, 12th January 2017 from 4.15pm to 6.45pm.