Hockey 2010 ‘Kate Russell’ All-Ireland Tournament

 

Last year’s victory in the Kate Russell All-Ireland Hockey Final was a seminal moment in the history of the school. |Could we exploit our ‘home’ advantage in the 2010 campaign?

The Kate Russell Cup brings together the top school talent in a play-off tournament to decide the champions of the year. The event is a highlight in the school sporting year and is feverishly attended supported by pupils from all competing schools. The Jes hosted the tournament this year and it was deemed a ‘superbly organised tournament’ by the Irish Hockey Association.

Having captured the nation trophy for the first time last season, we were intent on putting in a bold bid to retain the championship. With eight of last season’s starting line-up, including five international players, we prepared assiduously for this tournament.

The pool stages of the tournament opened with a 3 – 0 win for the Jes over our sister school, Crescent Comprehensive of Limerick. Niamh Codyre opened the scoring with a goal in the eighth minute and Lynsey Trainor doubled our lead two minute later. Katie Codyre converted a penalty corner to wrap up the win.

Loreto Kilkenny beat Crescent 2 – 1 in the second pool game to set up a crunch decider with the Jes in the final game. We showed some early nerves and Loreto capitalised to open the scoring in the sixth minute. The concession of that early goal seemed to settle our girls, and we dominated the rest of the half and went into the break level. Loreto had a player sin-binned, and we capitalised on our numerical advantage to equalise, Elaine Carey sweeping the ball into the net from a penalty corner routine. Eavan Murphy soon put her name on the scorer’s list when she made it 2 – 1 in the second half. Soon Elaine Carey grabbed her second of the game, finishing off a fine move that Lynsey Trainor was central to.

We were set to meet St. Andrew’s of Dublin in the final. Unfortunately, lady luck was not smiling on the maroon and white on that day. St. Andrew’s ended a decade’s wait for the ‘Kate Russell’ title as they produced a composed second half performance to claim their maiden win in the competition, ending the reign of our champions with a 3 -1 victory.

Even though we donned ‘silver medals’ this year as runners-up in the tournament, a huge ‘well-done’ to all the girl must be said. Throughout the year they showed true character, a lot of skill and lovely, flowing hockey which allowed them to be Connacht League and Cup Champions in 2010.

Thanks to Imelda Brennan (Coach), Darragh Leonard (Fitness) and Rita Ryan (Manager) of the Senior Team of 2010.

 

 

 

 

   

A celebration of 40 Years of Jes Rugby took place in the Ardilaun Hotel on Saturday May 1st.

Rugby was played with success in the early part of the last century but was discontinued when Colaiste Iognaid became an A school and limited its activities to Gaelic Games. A group of Senior Sudents decided to form a team in 1970 in defiance of this ban but played under the name 'St. John's'. They managed to beat the Connacht Cup holders of the day, St. Joseph's in the first playing of the City Cup.

Twelve of this team were present at the function along with many representatives of the more recent squads who have enjoyed much success since the revival of interest in the game. The ball used in the game in 1970 was presented to the school by former principal Mr. Frank Canavan        

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Jes Past-Pupil Union Buffet Evening

The Coláiste Iognáid Past-Pupils Union intends to hold its 2010 past-pupils get together in the Ardilaun House Hotel on Saturday October 9th at 8.00pm.

Past-pupils, parents and friends of the school are warmly invited. The organising committee are most anxious that the event will facilitate some great reminiscences and a night of good fellowship and entertainment. Tickets €25.

Please give the event your support and maybe begin by inserting this date in your diary.

Yours sincerely,

Tom Kenny, President P.P.U
Bernie O Connell, Principal