Friday's county senior basketball semi final had it all and for those of nervous disposition, watching must have made tense viewing. The final score of 49 points to 36 suggests a comfortable victory but the scoreline does not reflect the pulsating contest that unfolded before our eyes. Indeed 14 points down at half time, victory seemed improbable to the point of fantasy and few present would have believed it possible.
Fermoy accompanied by a professional coach and two teachers arrived early, had a clear height advantage over us and looked like a team primed for action. One thing was evident. With two of our star post players Matthew and Robbie unable to play, Szymon and Sean would have to be at their very best to control the defence.
From the tip off, Ger MacEoin threw himself into the action slicing through the zone and fired us into the lead. But our lead melted quickly under the intense Fermoy onslaught. In the opening half, the visitors bossed us with the desultory air of a team strolling to victory without having to get into second gear, popping in outside shots from all angles and dancing through our zone with ease. Under the pressure, our attack was littered with errors, poorly executed close and long range shots and a lack of fluidity in our motion offence. Sean Daly slotted one home in reply from a beautifully timed pass from David but Fermoy continued to stretch their lead. The loss of Sean and Szymon in the first quarter to injury was another enormous blow to our side. Bit by bit, the seams seemed to be coming apart, a sense of panic had set in like concrete. SCS looked destined for defeat.
At half time, the situation was looking increasingly desperate. When a team is winning well, it is easy to perform. Finding the net is that bit easier. At 14 points down, it is a whole different ball game. During the half time talk, the Skib boys faced a decision. Do we drop our heads and spend the rest of the year in regret? Would Steve Redmond, their club coach stop swimming if he was in the middle of an ocean? No doubt about it, we had to step up and be counted or our basketball days for this season were over.
Roared on by a passionate group of junior basketball players, the Skib boys stepped up to the challenge in the second half. The switch to a full court press , relentless chasing down by our players and an inspired performance from sharp shooter Eividas Andreikius brought about a dramatic change in our fortunes . Eividas popped in ten points in this period, found his nerve to sink three free shots from the line and popped in a majestic three pointer from a yard outside the zone a second before the referee brought the third quarter to a close. David, Patryck and Micheal Sheehy slotted into the post. David upped the tempo of our attack and Szymon resurrected himself from injury to boss the visitors and became our top scorer with 14 points. Micheal Sheehy was sensational, chasing down attackers, soaring high for rebounds, driving through the Fermoy defence and contributing 12 points to the scoreline. The Ilen Rovers star shows why he has a pivotal role in the Cork minor football team this year and had an enormous impact on this game.
The realisation that there was a fight to be fought seemed to unhinge the visitors and our victory was secured. Now we face a formidable Youghal side in the county final and our passage to the All Ireland play offs is secured. Onwards and upwards boys. SCS abú.
Our talented under 16 squad are through to the county final having survived a spirited challenge from a much improved, well organised Schull C.S. side coached by the wonderful Grainne O'Sullivan who threw everything at us.
Man of the match Schull's Gabriel O'Mahony had an awesome game and scored a magnificent 27 of Schull's points. Adam Sheehan made life very difficult for us under the boards, his towering, athletic presence causing us huge problems at rebounding. From an SCS point of view, while we are very happy to acknowledge the brilliance of our opposition, we also have to question our defence. In the opening quarter, our defence lacked energy. Apart from Tom Kavanagh who pounded the boards with superb rebounding and Dylan Hourihane, our players were slow to adjust to the pressure of curtailing the threats that Schull threw at us. Gabriel exploited our lack lustre defence popping in shots with apparent ease. Getting this right before the upcoming All Ireland semi final and league county final is our number one priority going forward.
There were flashes of brilliance too. The amazing Brian O'Driscoll created exquisite scoring chances and could thread a pass through a packed defence. His silky skills are a joy to watch. Our offence lacked patience, our outside shots were poorly executed and our lay ups were more like force ups. Time and time again, Schull turned over the ball, usually through our careless passing from defence and our impatience in attack. The result of all this, a nervy tight game with tit for tat scoring and an exciting spectacle to watch.
The loss of Adam to injury probably killed the game as a contest and we wish him the best of luck in his recovery.
Despite being exhausted from his sensational campaign in the senior game, Eividas controlled the game and fired himself into the action. We are lucky that our two transition years Stevie and Eividas put so much effort into perfecting their skills. I have full faith that both boys will lead us in the tough games ahead. The wonderful second years are putting in a great effort at training but the rest of the squad will have to step up to the challenge. This is probably the wake up call we need before taking on the winners of Castletownbere and Fermoy in the final. Let's make it happen boys.
There will be a 6th Year Parent Teachers Meeting this Thursday, Nov 28th from 4.15pm to 6.30pm in the Sports Hall.
Congratulations to our U19 Boys Basketball team and their coach Ms. Marie O Mahony who beat St.Colmans of Fermoy by 49 points to 32 and our U16 Basketball team who beat Schull Community College today by 49 points to 32. County Finals await both. Well done lads!
Well done to our Junior Ladies Football Team who beat Pobailscoil Bheanntrai today. Many thanks to their coaches, Ms. Ella Ryan, Ms. Niamh Lordan and Mr. Chris O Brien and the TY Sport Admin Mentors for their support.
On the 22nd November 2019, Skibbereen Community School and Coláiste Phobail Bheanntraí played each other in the second match of the season for our Junior Ladies Team. Played in the grounds of Coláiste Phobail Bheanntraí, the match began at 11.45am.
The ball was thrown in, with Skibbereen winning it and immediately passing the ball up the pitch into the forwards. After a positive start, the girls used the ball wisely, with Keelin Murphy scoring the first point of the match in a matter of minutes. With two more scores following from both Alaia O’ Sullivan and Keelin Murphy this brought the score up to 0-3 to 0-0 in favour of SCS. The ball was kept in play around the center field for a few minutes with the Skibbereen defense doing an excellent job of keeping the ball away from the goal, until Bantry were able to force a gap in the defense and score their first point of the game.
However, this would be the last score for Bantry for quite a while as the Skibbereen girls forged ahead, with scores coming from Áine McCarthy (1-0), Eilis Bohane (1-1), Maureen Keating (1-1), Niamh O’Sullivan (0-1) and Alaia O’Sullivan (0-1). This gave Skibbereen a strong lead of 15 points, with the scoreboard totaling at 3-7 to 0-1. With 10 minutes left until half time Bantry were awarded a free. Although the free itself did not bring any score, it paved the way for the team to score their first goal of the game after winning Skibbereen’s kickout bringing the score to 3-7 to 1-1. The morale of the Bantry side seemed to be boosted after this score with them managing many attempts at goal, although they were all saved with much ease by the Skibbereen goalkeeper Ciara Dennehy.
Skibbereen managed to put another goal (Aoibhinn O’Connell) and three more points (Maureen Keating & Keelin Murphy) onto the scoreboard before half time. Bantry scored another point just before the referee blew the whistle, making the half time score 4-10 to 3-3.
Skibbereen were playing with the disadvantage of the sun in the second half, which gave the Bantry side an opportunity to try and level the score after a first half that involved Skibbereen having the most possession and using this wisely to build up as much of a lead as they could. The match restarted with a lot of fight coming from Bantry to try and put some scores on the board for their side. However, this proved difficult, with the Skibbereen girls displaying brilliant teamwork and skill. Niamh O'Sullivan scored the first point of the second half; however, this was closely followed by a goal from Bantry. The Skibbereen team made their first substitution of the game, with Elaine O’Donovan going on for Leah Fitzgerald in full back.
The goalkeeper for the Bantry side saved three goal attempts by Skibbereen, and the ball was quickly brought down the field where Ciara Dennehy did an excellent dive for the ball, saving a goal attempt from Bantry. More substitutions were made with Claire O’Mahony coming on for Keelin Murphy. Bantry began to make a comeback it seemed, scoring two goals in quick succession of each other. However, their efforts were futile as they had left it far too late to overtake the much stronger Skibbereen side.
The last substitutions came on for Skibbereen after a point from Maureen Keating, with Aoife Buckley replacing Áine McCarthy, Chloe O’Mahony replacing Aislinn O’Donovan, Sarah Connolly
replacing Maureen Keating, Ashleigh Hardy coming on for Niamh O’Sullivan and Foyin Aba replacing Eleanor Keating. Skibbereen placed another 2 goals (Claire O’Mahony & Aoibhinn O’Connell) and 2 more points (Eilis Bohane & Claire O’Mahony) on the scoreboard before the referee blew the final whistle bringing the game to an end, with a full-time score of 7-13 to 3-3.
Panel: 1. Ciara Dennehy, 2. Leah Carey, 3. Leah Fitzgerald,4. Eleanor Keating 5. Aislinn O’Donovan, 6. Amy Mckennedy, 7. Aoife Hurley, 8. Keelin Murphy (0-4), 9. Mary Whooley, 10. Áine McCarthy (1-0), 11. Niamh O’Sullivan (1-1), 12. Maureen Keating (1-2), 13. Aoibhinn O’ Connell (2-0), 14. Eilis Bohane (1-3), 15. Alaia O’Sullivan (0-2). Substitutes: 17. Ashleigh Hardy, 18. Aoife Buckley, 19. Sarah Connolly, 20. Claire O’Mahony (1-1), 21. Elaine O’Donovan, 22. Chloe O’Mahony, 23. Foyin Aba.
Match Report by Orla O Donovan
A number of First Year SPHE classes were part of the SPHE “Friendship Day” initiative today. This involved first year students mixing with and getting to know students from other first year classes through games and activities. Many thanks to Ms. Orla O Sullivan, SPHE Department for organizing and thanks also to Ms. O Mahony, Ms. Leonard and Ms. Wycherley for their support.
Well done to our U17 Boys Rugby Team and their coach Mr. Paul Crosse on their three wins out of three today in the U17 Munster Schools Blitz in Musgrave Park. They beat Beara Community School in Game 1 by 4 tries to 1. They then beat St. Brogans of Bandon by 3 tries to 1 and then beat Carrigtwohill in Game3 by 4 tries to 1. Well done to all involved. Many thanks to Mr. Paul Crosse and to Skibb RFC for their support. Many thanks also to Ms. Aoife Breen and Mr. Chris O Brien for their support also.
Skibbereen Community School 2 Clonakilty Community College 2
Well done to our U15 Boys Soccer Team and their coaches, Mr. Cathal Mc Carthy and Mr. Brendan Doherty on a cracking game with Clonakilty. It was a game of two halves. SCS were two goals down at half time before a classic second half. A draw was a fair result in the end. Many thanks to Clonakilty for travelling and to Mr. Anthony McDermott for refereeing.
Pictured is PO Honor Murphy of the Irish Naval Service with a number of our senior students. The Naval Service are recruiting at the moment and PO Murphy gave a very informative talk to our 4th, 5th and 6th year students. Many thanks to PO Murphy and Ms. Cliodhna O Sullivan of the Guidance Department for organizing.
Hard luck to the U16 Girls Basketball Team and their coach Ms. Máire Keating who were beaten by Regina Mundi today in Cork and the U19 Girls Team had no luck either against St.Vincents. They were beaten by 47 points to 31. Hard luck to all involved and many thanks to Ms. Keating and Mr. Chris O Brien.
35 TY Students took part in today’s Emerging Coaching Talent Programme run by the GAA Rebel Og. The programme involved working towards a Foundation Level Coaching Certificate in both football and hurling. The course was given by Mr. James Mc Carthy, Munster Development Officer in conjunction with Mr. Moore’s TY Sports Administration Module. Many thanks to Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Moore and Aisling, Emer, Emma and Orla for organizing.
The Emergency Services of the Skibbereen Area; Paramedics, Firecrew and Gardai put on a car crash scenario demonstation in the school yard yesterday for all TY students. Many thanks to Mr. Liam O Regan and Mr. Pat Fitzgerald for acting as victims. The scene was very realistic with some moments being very poignant. Many thanks to Gary, Des, Don, Chris, Ian, Tom. Adrian, Brendan, Tadhg, Terry, Jonathon and Dan for giving up their time. The School Community is very grateful.
The school was delighted to welcome former Cork Hurler and motivational speaker Stephen McDonnell to SCS to deliver a workshop to Sixth year students on goal setting and getting the most out of the Leaving Cert year.
Stephen was also joined by Elaine Dennehy, one of CITs Access officers. Elaine visited SCS to inform students on the HEAR and DARE schemes available to them through CAO. She will also be available to answer any questions parents may have on the HEAR and DARE schemes during the upcoming 6th year parent teacher meeting on Thursday 28th November.
Sincere thanks to both Stephen and Elaine for taking the time to visit our school.
Dear parents, students and staff,
The school musical is a huge success each year which many enjoy. This year's TY musical is taking place on the first week of March 2020, and we’re hoping to cut costs and waste by sourcing materials second hand, such as:
Old jewelry
Old scarves
Old fabric and lace
Old clothes (preferably made of silk, lace or velvet in colors such as brown, gold, blue, red and purple).
Old shoes (preferably pumps or flat shoes)
Old belts
Old curtains
Old sheets
As the holidays are approaching soon and some people may be doing clear-outs, we thought that now would be the best time to ask.
Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.
The Costume Department
Class 1G and their Science Teacher, Ms. Emer Quirke celebrated Science Week this week by having a Science Quiz and Science Poster Competition. The winning teams are pictured with their prizes. Well done to all involved and many thanks to Ms. Quirke for organizing and to Caoimhe and Ger from TY who were score keepers for the quiz.
Following term exams and as we begin our new term back in SCS, students and staff are invited to write the names of their loved ones that they wish to remember for the month of November.
All those names will be especially prayed for and remembered during our class "Remembrance Prayer Services" throughout the month.
The Book of Remembrance can be found in the sacred space of the RE corridor.
Skibbereen Community School's under 16 basketball team secured a comfortable victory against Newpark Comprehensive School yesterday in Dublin.
The 64 to 26 final scoreline reflects the supremacy of this group of hardworking and talented players and their enormous commitment to training. Now they face Clonmel in the semi final and we will do everything to prepare and win this formidable battle.
The opening quarter was a closely fought contest with both sides throwing themselves into the action and it took the Skib side a while to get into their stride.
Tenacious defence and high tempo pressure smothered the Dublin sides attempts to score but our own early attacks showed evidence of frayed nerves and a lack of patience.
With the wonderful Colm Harrington out injured, Skib looked to Brian O’Driscoll to fill the void and what a stunning display the young boy produced. Indeed, it was Brian who struck first with a beautifully taken 3 pointer from the top of the zone which brought a measure of calm resolve to our play.
Daniel Buckley drove strongly from the left baseline slotting the ball into the basket soon after and Brian popped in 2 more. Newpark finally broke through what had been like an impenetrable wall up to this, created by Tom Kavanagh, Daniel and the wing players, with Tom and Daniel dominating the boards.
From that moment on, we were treated to a masterclass in three point shooting, tireless defence and strong driving from Eividas Andreikius and Stevie Redmond. These two boys work tirelessly to improve their skills and their precision in shooting was breathtaking today. Between them, they produced a magnificent 47 points and had the rapt audience stunned by their skills.
But it's not all about the scorers as every player contributed to the fast break and there was some sensational fast breaking teamwork in our play. Our motion offence was a joy to watch with great teamwork evident. Dylan Hourihane, Ciaran Coombes and Luca Harte stepped up to the role, producing a fine display of energetic defence and threw themselves into the action.
There will be tougher challenges ahead and we look forward to the return of Colm and the other boys on the panel. Next week, we face Midleton in the semi final of the county at home.
Ms. O'Mahony would like to thank the drivers Steve Redmond and Cathering Kavanagh who took time away from work to allow us to go to Dublin. We are indebted to you both.
Hard luck to the Senior Boys Football team and their coaches Mr. Maurice Moore and Mr. Colman O Driscoll who were beaten by Rochestown College in the first round of the Corn Ni Mhuiri yesterday.
Well done to the U16 Boys Basketabll team and their coach Ms. O Mahony who have beaten Newpark Comprehensive, Dublin today in the quarter finals of the All-Ireland Schools Cup.
Well done to the U14 Boys Football team and their coaches Mr. John Dullea and Mr. Dan McSweeney who beat Clonakilty Community College today.