Latest sports results in the newsletter

In Coláiste Ghobnatan we regard physical development as an integral part in the education of the whole person – whereby the student is educated through participation in as wide a variety as possible of physical expressions. 

Coláiste Ghobnatan has a long and proud tradition in both participation and achievement of excellence in sport. Our college teams, both male and female have been to the fore at County, Provincial and National levels over the years.

In the College we have excellent facilities for sport which includes a full size gaelic football and hurling pitch, a soccer pitch, two basketball courts, tennis court and facilities for racquetball, handball and squash. The College has access to a swimming pool and outdoor pursuit centres and has a bus to transport students to and from all events. 

Football  [top]

Senior Football

Senior Football Teams in Coláiste Ghobnatan have enjoyed a fine reputation for many years. In 1989 the College won the Senior All Ireland Football Final in Croke Park, against a team from Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.

During the 90’s the College won three Senior County Finals. There are five past pupils on the Cork Senior Panel at present – Anthony Lynch, Gary Ó Loinsigh, Micheál Ó Cróinín, Jack Ó Loinsigh and Nollaig Ó Laoire.

In 1999 three past pupils played for Cork in the All Ireland Senior Football Final – Ciarán Ó Suilleabháin, Micheál Ó Cróinín and Anthony Lynch.

In 2000, past pupil Nollaig Ó Laoire won an All Ireland medal with Cork Minors and he also was awarded ‘Man of the Match’.

There are two football pitches in the College and three teachers who have won All Ireland Football medals – Micheál Ó Scanaill, Colmán Ó Tuama and Micheál Ó Suilleabháin. Pádraig Ó hIarlaithe, another teacher in the College, has trained the Kerry Minor team in the past.

Girls Football

Girls Football has started in the College and the under 16 girls are training very hard. Up to now some games have been played by the Senior girls and Under 16. The girls have a great interest in football in the school.

We are playing in the Senior B Competition, Under 16 and Under 14 this year. We played in the Munster Championship in the Senior A Football and the girls did very well to reach the Semi-Final of that competition, where the team from Cahir, Co. Tipperary won with a score of 3-8 to 2-6.

The Under 16 Team has played three matches. The Semi Final was played here in the College grounds against a team from Bandon. After a very sporting match the Bandon team won with a score of 6-8 to 4-10. The Senior team lost the Senior County Final to Boherbue and Scoil Mhuire but we should have a better chance this year because we are playing in a different grade.

We are hoping for better weather so that our girls will be able to play excellent football in dry pitches.
  

Basketball  [top]

Basketball is one of the strongest sports in the College. Students of all ages from first years to sixth years play basketball almost every day. It is clear then that they want to do much better this year!

We were expecting great deeds from the basketball teams this year. What happened? We’ll start with Girls Under 14.

They had a very long day in Macroom and besides Macroom there was no other team as strong as them! 

The Girls Under 18 Team had the same result. This was a team comprising of 2nd, 3rd and 5th years and they found out that it is difficult to play against teams that are stronger and older than themselves. However, getting experience is the main thing!

What about the Boys Under 14? Well, they were very nervous at the beginning and because of this they didn’t start playing at their best until the first match was over. After that they showed that they are excellent basketball players. Too late, but a good effort.

Now, the Girls Under 16. They won the match against Scoil Mhuire in the first round and again they won against Beara in the Semi-Final.

The County Final then in Cork – wasn’t everybody nervous! They had all the training done; Laoise, Eibhlín, Muireann and Deirdre constantly talking; Sarah and nóirín thinking about the exams; Eimear, Cáit, Siobhán, nóirín, Sinéad and Cáit – their minds on other things; Laura and Mary – thinking about classes in school! No doubt Meadhbh was busy with the jerseys! At the end of the day they had one aim in mind – to bring back the cup to Baile Mhuirne.

The sides were level at half time – they had a great chance. They made a great effort but in the end Macroom won out 18-14.

Yes, it was very disappointing, but they will certainly be back nest year: stronger, faster and with a great hunger! Finally, we are all very proud of them! 

Ceappa na Laoi [top]

A week-end trip to the Outdoor Pursuit Centre in Ceappa na Laoi is organised for fifth years every year. The students participate in various activities such as canoeing, mountain climbing, > abseiling and orienteering.

Students enjoy this outing every year.

Ceappa na Laoi 2001...

Athletics [top]

  Coláiste Ghobnatan has participated over the years in Athletics competitions, especially in cross country running and track events. Individuals and teams had many great achievements in the National Colleges Competitions and the County VEC Competitions. Intense training is necessary for these competitions and in order to reach this level of fitness it is very helpful if the athletes are members of an Athletics Club. Coláiste Ghobnatan is lucky to have the support of West Muskerry Athletic Club. Indeed, the hard work and dedication by the athletes in training is to be commended by all.