JUDO - 'THE GENTLE WAY'

One of the most recent initiatives launched by the St Mary’s Sport Department in conjunction with Transition Year is our annual student visit to the Dublin School of Judo. The School, situated in Garristown in North Dublin is operated by Alan Martin. Alan is renowned in Ireland and abroad for his involvement and development in Judo.

The students on their arrival were first given a very interesting introduction to Judo, which translates as ‘The Gentle Way’ in English. Alan spoke about the health benefits of Judo and cardiovascular fitness in general for physical and mental wellness. The students then embarked on a number of warm up exercises before starting to learn about the basic moves and throws from Alan and his assistants. Students learned that regardless of size and stamina, anyone can participate in Judo.

 Alan likened Judo to chess, in that participants strive to think 4 or 5 moves ahead when engaging in competition.The afternoon finished in a fun competition. And who knows...given the talent and enthusiasm shown today, some of the students might be shortly representing Ireland at international and Olympic level!!

"WE'LL ANSWER IRELAND'S CALL!"

On Friday February 1st First Year and Second Year students geared up for the start of Rugby's Six Nations Tournament in great style!

The school were delighted to be presented with tickets for Ireland's opening Women's Six Nations clash versus England in Energia Park in Donnybrook.

Leinster Rugby representatives Stephen Costelloe and Nicole Purdom arrived into the school on Friday morning with the tickets to be greeted with great fanfare by the students. All dressed in green, the students gave rousing renditions of Amhran na bhFiann and Ireland's Call, accompanied by Mr Burke and Mr Fennell. You can hear our wonderful singing over on our twitter page!

Later that afternoon a bus collected the students and teachers and headed out to Donnybrook. The students were in great voice supporting Ireland, even if the result didn't exactly go our way. But everybody had a fantastic time and we it was great to see the students so involved. Looking forward now to Ireland's next match. Big thanks to Stephen, Nicole and Leinster Rugby.

HOWZAT!! CRICKET COMES TO ST MARY'S!

On January 31st the students at St Mary's took part in a cricket coaching session with Brian O'Rourke from Cricket Leinster. The initiative was spearheaded by our Transition Year student Molly Butler, one of Ireland's most promising upcoming women's cricketers. Cricket in Ireland has been enjoying a huge boost in popularity lately,  both in the women's and  men's  game.

Brian has had huge experience over the years both in playing the game at a very high level and also as working as a Development Officer. Molly has not only played club cricket but has also represented Leinster at provincial level in Ireland and abroad.

It was fascinating to see Brian and Molly work with the students on acquiring the basics of the game, and becoming familiar with the terminology and equipment used in cricket.Brian also presented the school with cricket equipment from Fingal County Council's Sports Office which we were delighted to receive. We look forward to introducing further coaching sessions into the school, and hope that many of the girls will now take up the game. As the pictures below show, we have some very talented cricketers of the future! Many thanks to Brian, Molly, Cricket Leinster and Fingal County Council Sports Office.