PRINCIPAL SEASONS GREETINGS

As we near the end of 2013 and look forward to the holidays I want to take this opportunity to wish all the staff, students and their families a happy and peaceful Christmas.2013 has been a very eventful year for the school and the newsletter is full of activities that so many of our staff and students have been involved in.Our new sports hall is days away from completion and I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to this immense project in any way. We aim to provide the best possible facilities for our students and this building should add to your son’s educational experience at St. Aidan’s.We pray that 2014, the year of our 50th anniversary, will be a happy and a fruitful year for everyone who is part of St. Aidan’s C.B.S.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SEASONS GREETINGS

Blessed Edmund Rice famously said, “Have courage, the good seed will grow up in the children’s hearts...” The successes of our students in their every endeavor, whether their victory was a private and personal one, in overcoming adversity, or a public triumph in sports, the arts, or the academics, raises all our spirits. The gift that all good teachers enjoy is the endeavor to sow good seeds in the hearts of those we serve. Happy Christmas.

Saint aidan’S C.B.S.Christmas NewsletterDecember 2013

♫ WE WISH YOU ALL A

VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

♫

Christmas CardsTransition Year mini company Christmas cards sales are well under way this year. The cards are beautifully designed by Art students in the school and all proceeds will be donated to the following charities. The charities this year are Irish Cancer Society, Pieta House, Whitehall Social Services and Heart Children Ireland. Pick up some lovely cards and help out these very worthy charities.

Christmas Prayer

Moonless darkness stands between.

Past, the Past, no more be seen!But the Bethlehem star may lead me

To the sight of Him Who freed meFrom the self that I have been.

Make me pure, Lord: Thou art Holy;Make me meek, Lord: Thou wert lowly;

Now beginning, and always,Now begin, on Christmas day.

by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Dramatic New Start

St. Aidan’s Drama Club is back! We were delighted to be the first group to use the new sports hall! Laura-May and James from DCU are working with us this year on improvisation and some script work. We are looking forward to seeing Wicked in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on December 12th. Workshops take place upstairs in the new building every Tuesday after school.

New Sports Hall

Our new Sports Hall is so impressive with all the students very excited and starting to avail of this terrific facility, now part of our school. Again thanks to all the parents that supported our building levy as this money will be used to help equip the hall.

Creative Engagement

On the 5th October, St. Aidan’s Drama Club exhibited their film “Don’t Stop Me Now” in The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. The exhibition featured schools from all over the country who took part in the NAPD’s Creative Engagement Programme. Feedback was excellent on the boys’ work, and they were delighted to bring a smile to the face of Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltact, Jimmy Deenihan TD, who very much enjoyed the film!

On Monday the 21st of October 2013 the senior debating team went to Dominican College on Griffith Avenue for the Concern debate. This was the first in a number of debates to come. Eoin, Luke, Scott and Dylan were representing the school.The girls were well prepared and came in ready to fight us in words. Unfortunately we were defeated but we are up for the challenge of the next debating event in Ard Scoil Ris shortly. We wish them best of luck next time.

Cake Sale in Aid of the Phillipines

There were a lot of happy pupils enjoying cakes the day that 5th years decided to get into the kitchen and bake for a very worthy cause. They raised €450 for the people of the Philippines displaced by the recent Typhoon there. Well done to all those students.

2nd year guest speaker Michael Liddy

To celebrate Halloween in St. Aidan’s, 2nd years had a visit from writer and artist Pat Liddy, who spoke to them about the origins of Halloween and

Dublin’s rich gothic literary tradition.

dEBatinG

Sam There was great excitment in our school recently when three of the Dublin team, Johnny Cooper,Cormac Costello, Jack Mc Caffrey and the Sam McQuire Cup dropped by.The boys listened with great interest to what the three team members had to say and asked them some very interesting questions. Then it was photo time with a big rush for pictures with Sam and the team members.It certainly brightened up all our Monday morning, it was slightly surreal to see all our boys smiling and all because of Sam.

I Promise MyselfTo be strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come

true.To think only of the best, to work only for the best

And to expect only the best.To be just as enthusiastic about the success of

Others as I am about my own.To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the

Greater achievements of the future.To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile

To every living creature I meet.To give so much time to improving myself that I

Have no time to criticize others.To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

And too happy to permit the presence of trouble.To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

Not in loud words, but in great deeds.To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,

So long as I am true to the best that is in me.

DCU Access - Achievement Awards 2013

Congratulations to the following TY & 5th year students who have been nominated by the school to receive an achievement award in the Helix on Tuesday 3rd December.

AcademicConor Gallagher Daniel Murphy Robert Collins Eoin Dunne Louis Bourke

SportAdam O Brien Cathal Doyle Paddy Small Gavin King Michael Curley

Community SpiritRhys Hislop Shaun Ryan John Reilly

Music, Art & DramaDylan Sweeney Donal Corrigan Ian Fitzpatrick David O Hanlon Anthony Tobin White Shane Egan

LOCkED OUT

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Dublin Lock Out, TYPS went on a walking tour of the North inner city. We tried to walk in the footsteps of Dubliners 100 years ago and imagine the unspeakable poverty that existed. The most poignant part of the tour was visiting the site of the Church Street disaster, where 7 people died following the collapse of two tenements in September 1913. As this is the beginning of a decade commemorating important events in our history, we look forward to future outings exploring Dublin and learning about these milestones.

Les Intouchables movie review

Our class (TYPS and TYPE) went to the IFI (Irish Film Institute) to see the movie “Les Intouchables” on the 12th of November with Ms Nash. An invalid (wealthy) paraplegic spends his time under constant care and can’t help feeling sorry for himself. He then hires a young man from the projects to be his caretaker. Their relationship then starts to grow into a

strong friendship and Philippe (the wealthy man) starts to become more human. He stops being depressed and begins to live his life to the full. The movie is based on a true story and highlights the importance of respect, no matter whom anyone is or where they’re from. This respect is what makes their friendship so strong and even though the two men face both family and personal problems throughout the movie they are able to help each other to pull through. The movie begins at the end and then goes back to the start as if they’re having a flashback to the beginning of their friendship. Music plays a key role in this movie, the music consists of the personal choices of the two men - one being classical music and the other being rock. The music expresses their backgrounds and what interests them. The movie was made into a comedy so that it would attract more of an audience. They do this very well and the movie becomes very entertaining. The movie was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to any audience. I would give the movie 4 stars!

by Seán Hoey.

Green Schools

The green schools team is hard at work again this term planting trees and working on the theme of biodiversity. The boys planted two oak trees at the front of the new sports hall. Seán Hayde and Jordan Matthews did the hard work of digging the holes and planting the trees. Each of the first year classes were present and got their picture taken with the tree. Hopefully the boys will see their tree grow over the next 6 years. We were also delighted to have Samantha Fahy and Saorla Kavanagh from DCU present. The green schools team is going to be working in the DCU Community Garden over the next few months growing vegetables. Hopefully we will have a fifth green flag flying in front of the school this time next year.

Run in the Dark

On Wednesday November 13th, 45 pupils and 6 teachers from St. Aidan’s participated in the annual “Run in the Dark” in aid of the Mark Pollock Trust and Childvision. Prior to the run Mark had come to our school as a guest speaker and had given what can only be said was an inspirational talk to the fifth years, who you could see were visibly moved by his words and inner strength on his journey through life.Students ran either a 5k or 10k race around the city centre. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the night and all who took part enjoyed themselves immensely.The students raised over €1,500 for the

above charities. We wish to thank all who contributed to the “Run in the Dark”.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

The students of TYPS all worked together with Ms. Nash and prepared a grand total of 15 shoeboxes for the Christmas Shoebox appeal, for Team Hope Ireland. A charity whom, with the help of people from all of Ireland help bring hope to the needy, particularly in Africa and all across Eastern Europe. The Christmas Shoebox appeal is an appeal for people to pack shoeboxes full of simple gifts, nothing fancy, for children between the ages of 2-14. Since the project began, Team Hope has delivered almost 2.8 million shoeboxes around the world. Each box is filled with something to write with, to wash with, to wear and something to play with and enjoy. Our class put items like sweets, toys, warm clothes and other helpful things in their shoeboxes. The shoeboxes are taken to a local drop point and Team Hope deliver them to children living in the worst poverty-stricken countries in the world, victims of war, rampant disease and crushing poverty - children living on less than €1 a day. 95% of children who receive a shoebox have never held a toy in their hand before. A shoebox won’t turn a child’s life around, but it will bring some Christmas cheer into their hearts. Unfortunately, this year’s appeal has closed, but that’s what next year is for! By kevin Quinn & kieran O’Farrell

The Axis RightTransition Years visited The Axis Centre in Ballymun on Tuesday 1st October as part of Music and Drama only to discover an entire new world on their doorstep. What a great facility to have nearby. Looking forward to more artistic endeavours as the year goes on!

On the 26th of October, a group of fourteen from the school departed Dublin Airport for Tanzania. The group consisted of eleven students and three teachers – Mr. McGinnity, Ms. Ní Bhraonáin and Mr. Traynor. We worked very hard to raise the money needed to get us there and to support the different projects and schools over in Tanzania. We were all a bit nervous and anxious as we didn’t fully know what to expect from the trip while we there. Looking back none of us have any regrets of

taking part in the Immersion programme.While over in Africa, we spent the school week in the local secondary school, called Edmund Rice Sinon High School. The people we really friendly and from the first day they accepted us into their school and welcomed us. We were paired off with a student from the school and got to experience a week in the life of a Tanzanian student.

We also got a chance to visit the local primary school in Engo, the orphanage, the food and water shelter and the Masai tribe. We spent the second weekend in the area of Morta Bowani with an Irish priest from Mayo, called Father John Gallagher. We got to see the great work he does over in the area and it really inspired me to return to Tanzania when I am older.There are many signs of development in Tanzania, mainly due to the support and aid provided by other countries. The country is full of very positive natives who welcome anybody regardless of their race or religion etc.

I feel that the Immersion Project and taking part in it has impacted my personality,my outlook on life and has made me appreciate what I have a lot more. I feel, coming back from Tanzania, a more all rounded person and I feel that the experience has helped me to become more mature and independent. Before we departed we had workshops and meetings, in which reflection was a big part. We thought about what we wanted to achieve from the experience. I am happy to say that I feel that I have achieved what I set out to do.

Recess

Going to Recess was an amazing experience for all students, as it was for Seán and myself. It was intriguing to me how the experience allowed me to bond with my fellow students, it may not seem like much but the trip does force one to cooperate well with peers and bond with them through this cooperation. To this day I don’t understand how it worked, but it did so in spades. I got the opportunity to make new

friendships and strengthen already existing ones, and have a lot of fun along the way! My year was a lot of fun to spend a weekend with. Many pleasant memories remain of my time there. The activities were excellent, including rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking and many others. An enjoyable trip out of our comfort zones that we had fun doing. You’ve probably noticed I’ve used the word ‘fun’ a lot during this, but that is the first word to come to mind when I think of the experience that Recess was. And anyone will tell you the key aspect behind it is ‘fun’! To the future TY’s: Don’t miss this opportunity for the world! It’s more than worth it and I haven’t seen a single person come back who said they haven’t enjoyed it. An opportunity like this only comes around once and I am more than happy to have taken it.

ACCENTURE

Recently Ms Byrne organized for ten volunteers to come out from the Multi National Company “Accenture” to help Transition Year students develop CV and interview skills. They completed a three hour workshop in school and the following week went to their offices on Grand Canal Dock to do an interview they were put the test and came out with flying colours. Well done! Recently Ms Byrne organized for ten volunteers to come out from the Multi National Company “Accenture” to help Transition Year students develop CV and interview skills. They completed a three hour

workshop in school and the following week went to their offices on Grand Canal Dock to do an interview they were put the test and came out with flying colours. Well done!

Art in Context

The L.C.A. had a trip to the Botanic Gardens to visit the Art in Context Exhibition. At the moment in Art they are doing the ceramic module and one of the key assignments is to visit and see some ceramic or sculptural work and there it was right on our very doorstep. They saw a great variety of sculpture made from all types of materials. They had a guided tour and learned a little about the plants as well as the sculptures. Some of the sculptures made them laugh and some made them ask questions. They all enjoyed the trip and hopefully they will make a return visit there.

LCA visit Glasnevin Cemetery

As part of the English and Communications course, Leaving Cert Applied groups need to visit a local museum or heritage centre. Therefore, on Friday 15th November our LCA pupils went to Glasnevin Cemetery and museum. They had already studied some War of Independence and Civil War history in class, so to see the graves of some of the heroes who died for our country was a special experience. The students enjoyed the stories of bodysnatching and the grandeur of Daniel O’Connell’s crypt and tower. The highlight for them however, was getting back to school and writing a detailed report on the experience. Well done to these lads for all their hard

Why I Like L.C.A. :L.C.A is a very good year. It is an enjoyable year.

The teachers are excellent, every subject is good and that makes you go to it.I like the year because I personally think that is an easy way of doing the Leaving

Certificate.L.C.A prepares you to get a job easily.

L.C.A is all about coming in to school on time and coming in every day.

Tiling the Periodic Table

Over the last few weeks me along with 10 other TY students were asked to design a periodic table using tiles by Ms. Ruane our Science teacher. We have been doing this every Friday morning, being thought by our instructor Patsy. She is an artist who shows us the process behind designing and making tiles. We are doing this to celebrate the schools 50th anniversary next year.We first had to pick an element from the periodic table. After, we had to carve the name of the element into the tile using pieces of chalk. We included the elements atomic number and also its symbol as well. Then we cut out pieces of small tiles and stuck them to the marks we left with the chalk. This was difficult as cutting tile with the clippers is hard and I struggled to make

the shapes into the shapes I wanted. We then stuck the cut out tiles onto the big tile using cement. We then let it set.After a while when all of the tiles were dry we put objects containing our element onto our tile. I found working with tiles as difficult but I did enjoy it. It’s something different than normal classes and it’s something I would do again.

Newgrange

Our annual trip to Newgrange is where Art meets History and the two subjects are united by this wonderful passage grave. As we approach the winter solstice on the 21st of December it is a particularly good time to visit there. All three groups of Transition Years had the opportunity to experience walking into the chamber, learning about our ancestors and what clever and spiritual people they were. They were very impressed with Newgrange.

SCiEnCE Mosaic Project

U-16 School Golf Leinster Final

It was a case of heartbreak for our U-16 Golf team in the Leinster Final on 11th November in Beechpark Golf Club. Leading by two shots in the clubhouse with only a couple of teams left on the course the guys were both equally nervous and excited. Unfortunately two teams came in with a lower score by two shots. It meant that we claimed 3rd place for the second successive year. All in all this was a tremendous accomplishment from the lads considering 70 schools entered the competition. The team consisted of Cian O’ Brien, Adam keogh and Dean Duffy. The school community would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the lads and wish them every success next year and beyond. School golf has become very popular in last two years and with two of this year’s team overage for next year, there are places up for grabs, so the onus is on the junior students to get out golfing and get the handicap down.Cian O’ Brien tees off during the U-16 Leinster Championship

U-16 School Golf Leinster Final

St. Aidan’s players look on as Bernard shows them how to play the perfect

bunker shot

During the November midterm break both the U-19 and U16 school golf teams attended a coaching day organised by the school in Carton House, hosted by PGA Professional Bernard Quigley. The day consisted of a 3 hour coaching session with Bernard, including coaching on long and short games, bunker play, putting and some skills games thrown in for good measure. After a break for lunch, the lads played 9 holes around The Monty course in Carton House, venue of the 2013 Irish Open. The improvements in their games have been noticeable almost immediately and no doubt this will help them with their quest next year to improve their games and lower their golf handicaps even further. It was an incredibly enjoyable day, and the lads learned so much about stance, technique, posture, grip, chipping techniques, putting drills, bunker shots, driving, pitching and much much more. A big thank you to Bernard for his hard work on the day and for making it so enjoyable for the lads. Anyone wishing to get golf lessons should contact Bernard on 0863794066 or e-mail him at bquigleygolf@gmail.com

Coaching Day at Carton House with PGA Professional Bernard Quigley

Picture from left to right; Lee Duffy, Cian O’ Brien, Adam Keogh, Eoin Reilly, Dean Duffy, Adam Duffy

JUNIOR U16sThe U16’s team did an awful lot more this year. Winning all but one game this term they came second in our side of the Dublin Region. With a very experienced team they blew past a lot of their opposition winning by margins in the twenties.But unfortunately last week the lads were beaten in the quarter finals of the Leinster, the lads had a great game but they finished just short. Although they lost this game the lads should feel very proud of what they achieved this year.

SENIOR U19sSENIOR U19s

This term was a tough term in relation to basketball for the senior U19’s team. Being a young senior team we did what we were expected to do this year….. not a lot, only winning one of our games. To you reading this now that may seem terrible, but it really wasn’t as all of our games were close throughout. This year was always going to be a stepping stone to next year as we are now more experienced and with the addition of the junior team coming up this year we could do very well next year.This term was a tough term in relation to basketball for the senior U19’s team. Being

a young senior team we did what we were expected to do this year….. not a lot, only winning one of our games. To you reading this now that may seem terrible, but it really wasn’t as all of our games were close throughout. This year was always going to be a stepping stone to next year as we are now more experienced and with the addition of the junior team coming up this year we could do very well next year.

History Makers!!!!! – St Aidan’s win first Senior “A” Hurling titleSt. Aidan’s 1.15 - ColaisteEanna 0.12

The 22nd of October 2013 will always be remembered as the day St. Aidan’s CBS captured an historic first Senior “A” Hurling title. The school which celebrates its fifty year anniversary next year has won many titles across different sports down through the years yet a win at “A” level in Hurling has always eluded the school. To win an “A” title in hurling a team must possess skill¸ heart and have a bond that will pull them through any tight game. Every now and again a team comes along that has these characteristics and in a wet O’Toole Park ¸ all spectators got to witness a team that proved the importance of these match winning characteristics

ColaisteEanna went into the game as defending champions. They started the game as the always do with speed and skill. ColaisteEanna is a school steeped in winning Senior “A” titles and are always prepared to perfection. Aidan’s went into the game knowing that nothing less than 100% would suffice. The game began very scrappy with both teams showing signs of nerves. ColaisteEanna seemed to come to terms with the conditions and occasion quicker and began to threaten the Aidan’s defence more and more. However the Aidan’s backs remained tight and reduced Eanna to mainly long range efforts and frees. kevin Nangle¸ John Connell and Josh McCloone never gave an inch with every forward earning their chance to get an opportunity on goal. DarraghGray and Daniel O’ Connor resembled any two county corner backs in the country bringing out ball after ball while Captain Eoghan O’Donnell was an inspirational figure throughout the game at the heart of the Aidan’s defence. Eanna seemed to be pulling away with frees when Gavin King popped up for a well taken goal finishing with great class and composure. King’s ball winning ability was a constant thorn for the opposition. At the break Eanna lead by the slightest of margins and would have the elements in their faces after the break. The half time break was the defining moment. What Aidan’s team would emerge after half time? Against the wind¸ was their chance gone? From the restart the character of Aidan’s began to show. Players like Ian Jesson and Robert M. Fox began to stand up and win vital possession. Cathal Doran, who was a constant threat throughout began to run and take full advantage of the quality ball he was receiving. The Setanta man Luke kelly took the game

from the restart to the opposition¸ splitting the defence with some sensational runs. ConorSheedy in the corner grew in confidence and started showing what a stick man he is. Sean Gray was magnificent with frees and supplied many brilliant balls to the forwards which kept the pressure on Eanna. All this meant that Aidan’s scored six points on the trot without reply and took a five point lead midway through the second half. Finals need leaders. And in Na Fianna man Sean Ryan, St. Aidan’s had one. Sean showed everyone in attendance at O’Toole Park what a player he is and how he is capable of inspiring those around him¸while also hitting four points. His performance deserves much credit and to keep it up for the full sixty minutes was remarkable. As you would expect from the Champions they were not giving the title up without bringing a fight and despite Aidan’s dominance¸ Eanna were only three points down with ten minutes to go. In the 51st minute Aidan’s received a major setback when Corner back Daniel O’Connor was dismissed for a second yellow card. These last ten minutes would show everyone what Aidan’s are made of. The more Eanna attacked¸ the harder Aidan’s defended. O’Donnell¸ Nangle¸ Connell¸ D. Gray and McCloone were magnificent in the last ten. The term “putting your body on the line” is often thrown around loosely at GAA matches but this is probably the most accurate way of describing the Aidan’s defence. Cathal Ryan was also introduced to add coolness and skill to the occasion and as usual did not let the side down. With four minutes on the clock and Aidan’s only four points up¸ Colaiste Eanna finally broke through the Aidan’s backline. Up stepped Michael Curley. The goalkeeper whose puck out were the Launching pad for many of Aidan’s attacks pulled off a point blank save that Brendan Cummins would be proud of. Aidan’s finished the strongest with two points from Sean Gray¸ one from Sean Ryan and one from the ever impressive Gavin king who finished the game with 1.02 from play. The final whistle was greeted with cheers and tears. Aidan’s could finally hold their head proudly with the best hurling schools in Dublin.

This has been a long journey for these players. They have lost Championship finals¸ Shield finals and many semi-finals during their time in school. However they have never given up and are role models for future students in the school. These players deserve all the credit that they receive. While not all players got a run during the final they have all played their part. A group of twenty four friends who will always be connected by their days at St Aidan’s. The players can now look forward to a Leinster final next year and there is little doubt that this panel of players will do everything they can to prepare for this unique occasion.

Team:M.Curley¸D.O’Connor¸K.Nangle¸ D. Gray¸ J. Connell¸ I. Jesson¸ J. McCloone¸ E. O’Donnell (Capt)¸ L. Kelly¸ S. Gray¸ S. Ryan¸ R. M. Fox¸ C. Sheedy¸ C. Ryan¸ C. Doran¸ G. King¸ A. Kearns¸ S. Keirns¸ S. Motherway¸ D. McDonagh¸ S. Power¸K.Savage¸ T. O’ Sullivan¸ K. DarcyScorers: S. Gray (0-06); G. King (1.02); S. Ryan (0.04); C. Doran (0.02); RM Fox (0.01)Backroom StudentsD. Ryan¸ J. Darcy¸ M. Noonan¸ E. Dunne¸ J. Breen

ST. AIDAN’S CBS HURLING REACHES NEw HEIGHTSSenior Hurlers

It has been a fantastic school year for the hurler’s in the school. The level of commitment and talent has finally fulfilled its potential. The Senior Hurlers made history with a first ever senior “A” Hurling title. This was a magnificent achievement and much credit must go to these players. They had to dig deep in all their matches but it was in the final where their true character was shown when they delivered a second half performance that will never be forgotten in the school. The pride was evident for all to be seen when Captain Eoghan O Donnell lifted the cup.

Team:M.Curley¸D.O’Connor¸K.Nangle¸ D. Gray¸ J. Connell¸ I. Jesson¸ J. McCloone¸ E. O’Donnell (Capt)¸ L. Kelly¸ S. Gray¸ S. Ryan¸ R. M. Fox¸ C. Sheedy¸ C. Ryan¸ C. Doran¸ G. King¸ A. Kearns¸ S. Keirns¸ S. Motherway¸ D. McDonagh¸ S. Power¸K.Savage¸ T. O’ Sullivan¸ K. DarcyScorers: S. Gray (0-06); G. King (1.02); S. Ryan (0.04); C. Doran (0.02); RM Fox (0.01)Backroom Students

Team:M.Curley¸D.O’Connor¸K.Nangle¸ D. Gray¸ J. Connell¸ I. Jesson¸ J. McCloone¸ E. O’Donnell (Capt)¸ L. Kelly¸ S. Gray¸ S. Ryan¸ R. M. Fox¸ C. Sheedy¸ C. Ryan¸ C. Doran¸ G. King¸ A. Kearns¸ S. Keirns¸ S. Motherway¸ D. McDonagh¸ S. Power¸K.Savage¸ T. O’ Sullivan¸ K. DarcyScorers: S. Gray (0-06); G. King (1.02); S. Ryan (0.04); C. Doran (0.02); RM Fox (0.01)

Backroom StudentsD. Ryan¸ J. Darcy¸ M. Noonan¸ E. Dunne¸ J. Breen

The U-16 Hurlers also made it to the U-16 “A” final. They came up against a very good Ard Scoil Ris team. After ten minutes the lads found themselves 10 points down. Most teams would have thrown in the towel at this stage. But St. Aidan’s men are made of better qualities. Ten minutes left in the second half the team had clawed back the score and found themselves one point to the good. This effort alone shows the talent of these players. Unfortunately a strange referee decision allowed the opposition in for a soft goal and Aidan’s never recovered. The battled bravely to the final whistle but alas it wasn’t to be. These players have so much to be proud and will get their success before their school hurling careers are over.

TAE KUAN DO

Colm Carroll is our Tae kuan Do Champion in the under 68kg, winning this title after taking part in the International Tae Kuan Do Championships in Benidorm in Spain. We are very proud of him.

EUROPEAN wADO – KAI CHAMPIONSHIPSSean Memory is our European Wado –Kai Champion after taking part in the under 52kg European Wado – kai Championships in Lisbon, Portugal. What an achievement

BADMINTON CLUBThe badminton club is going strong this year. We started just a few months ago in April and the boys have been improving ever since! We are in the middle of competing in our first tournament and we are doing well. The U19s team finished third in their section of the Division 3 league and the U16s are currently placed second with two more matches to go!We train every Monday and Tuesday after school and the boys must be praised for their commitment to the club. We wish the U16s the best of luck in their upcoming matches and watch this space!

CROSS-COUNTRY SEASON

All-Ireland title sets the cross-country season alight!It was a stunning run from First Year Niall Power that provided the spark to the day at the All-Ireland Schools Cross-Country championships in the ALSAA complex. Niall stormed to victory in the U/13 Race, closely followed by David Tuite. With 4 runners in the top 10, the team prize was only going one way. In the U/14 race, Daniel Lacey kept his great form to lead the team home in 2nd. The U/15’s were next out of the blocks, and it was Alex Hogan’s turn to lead the team home into 3rd place. This was a stunning performance by a heavily depleted team. It was then the turn of the U/17 team, and they sure did not disappoint. With 6 runners in the top 10, the lads laid down a serious statement of intent for 2014. Cathal Doyle was fantastic, as was Sean Carrigg, leading the team home in 1st and 3rd respectively. And to round off the day, Cathal Doran led home the Senior team, closely followed by Ross Kearney and Niall Norman. This

powerful team run was enough to earn the team 2nd place. It was then time for celebration as the school was awarded the Best Overall Team. So, as the season progresses, the whole team is really starting to see physical improvements and results. This is down to discipline, dedication and determination from all squad members. If this focus is maintained, 2014 is going to be a year to remember.

wHAT HAvE wE TO LOOK FORwARD TO???U-14 HURLERS

Our u-14 hurlers will begin their campaign in early February. We are really looking forward to working with the new talent.Leinster FinalBecause our Senior Hurlers are now Dublin “A” Champions we have qualified for the Leinster final on the 8th of March. Our opponents are unknown. It will be tough to keep players focused but we look forward to another day out.

IRISH JUDO CHAMPIONSHIP

Judo is now in its second year in St Aidan’s and going from strength to strength.Lukas Stasaitas came 2nd in his category in the Senior competition along with Colm Mansfield.In the Juniors Fintan Forry came 1st and won player of the tournament, while Dillon Connors came joint 3rd. Congratulations to all the students involved.

St Aidan’s Soccer Team

Our Soccer team who were narrowly defeated 3-2 by St. Paul’s Brunswick Sreet, last Friday 14th November at Clontarf Road.It is unlikely now that they will progress from the group having won a game against the Donahies 7-4,drawn 2-2 against St. Joseph’s, Fairview and lost our most recent one.It is a young team, however, and will not be too disrupted by our departing Sixth Years Aaron O’ Neill (school captain), Josh Peyton, Shane Mc Gannon and Glen Doyle, though they will be missed nonetheless.They have served the school wonderfully over the last couple of years.There have been some fine individual performances too, from Josh Peyton, Jeff Rafter, Jamie Lennon, Aaron O’Neill and Andrew Gorman.Selecting the Footballer of the Year in May will prove very difficult for Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Kelly.

U 14 Footballers reach Dublin ‘A’ final.

Well done to our footballers on their marvellous victory over Colaiste Eoin. Considering that the team was short a number of their key players through injury makes this victory all the more impressive. St Aidan’s breezed into a 9 point half time lead thanks to the excellent score taking of Jordan Leonard and Gavin Kilkenny. However due to little complacency and the absence of key players like James Doran, Keith Campbell, Matt Moran and Ciaran Murphy, St Aidan’s lost their way in the second half. The boys from Stillorgan came storming back to force the game into extra time. However the introduction of two of our walking wounded, Matt Moran and James Doran, ensured a comprehensive victory for the boys in red and white. Stand out performers on the day included Enda O Donnell, Michael Noonan, Cillian Riordan and James Doran. St Aidan’s will now play their old rivals Ard Scoil Ris in the final.

You’ve Been Framed

Our art students work is being framed and on display in the GPA as you come through the front door so make sure to have a look the next time you are in the school and see just what wonderfully talented artists we have in our school. The Art students are very proud to see their work on display. Our Deputy Principal and Principal have over the past two years very kindly framed some of the students art work. They see the value in having the works on display, as for other students a work of art is a thing of beauty and when you stop to look, it brings one’s mind into this moment in time, makes us reflect, and in a busy world that is what we need more of. So keep producing those masterpieces and yours could be on the wall next year.