The Big Interview: Cian Foley talks to to 5 time All Ireland Champion Martin Collins

Basketball Team Fall just short

This year the school’s basketball teams were promoted up to Division B. The Castle basketball teams have been very successful in recent years, winning a number of East Leinster C titles so this promotion was a long time coming. The Under 19’s had a very tough season, and each game came down to the line. The Senior team was unable to make it out of the group stages, yet they were able to put up a fight, losing two games by the narrowest of one point margins after overtime, thus proving that they belonged in their new division.

On the other hand the Under 16’s were very successful this year. Strong performances from point guard Eldon Antonio and small forward Abel Ikhaguebor saw the Castle dominate opposition in the group stages.They began with a big home win against local rivals Colmcilles Knockylon, which gave them the confidence to achieve further victories against Coláiste Eanna and Rathcoole. Although they lost their final group game by a point against Adamstown, they had done enough to qualify for the play offs.

They drew a strong St. Aidan’s CBS away in the quarter finals. Although massive underdogs the team produced their best display of the season, with big defensive performances from from Ryan Hyland & Abel Ikhaguebor.

On the offensive end St. Aidans had no answer to the mercurial Greg Marinkovic who was in top form pulling the strings to lead his team to a 20 point win and a place in the last four. The semi final threw up further strong opposition in the form of Marian College, another heavyweight on the basketball scene. However another powerful performance, including a 20 point haul by big man Conor Barry saw the Castle land a place in the East Leinster final in their first year in the B division.

The final threw up familiar opposition, a rematch with Adamstown. Could the Castle avenge their one point loss in the group stages? Supporters from the school came in droves as they filled up nearly half of the seats in the Oblate Hall. The game could be compared to a tug of war. It was like this up until the last minutes of the game when the score was level at 40 points each. Due to a few questionable fouls called on the school team, the opposing team was able to gain the lead in the last second. The U16’s lost 40-41. The team showed great effort and determination until the very last second. All the best for the U16’s as they carry on in to the All-Ireland’s.

Active Week

To start off the month of May, Drimnagh Castle held its Active Week with the goal to promote healthy living within the student body. In this modern day and age, many people seem to forget the importance of maintaining their bodies. Fortunately, our school prides itself in our sporting achievements where the students are able to nurture their talents both inside and outside the classroom. In order to make this week meaningful many events were planned for the students to attend, mainly Sports Day and the Mile Run for first and second years.

The week kicked off with a visit from Michael Carruth, an Olympic Champion and local hero, he held a workshop for some of our lucky students to improve their boxing skills. On Wednesday, the Dundalk FC Captain, Brian Gartland came in to speak to some of our junior students. As a Captain, he was able to offer his experience to our students on how to lead. It was something which helped to motivate and and inspire the students.

Many of the classes during the week took part by having the students spend some time walking around the area. Walking is something which clears the mind and benefits our bodies to an extent. One instance of this was when 5th Year students walked to the St. Patrick’s Football Club’s stadium, Richmond Park where they were able to get a tour and also free tickets to the match against Bohemian FC.

We had a visit from Dublin Footballer Brian Howard. Brian Spoke to our students about the importance of sport & maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He also did a Gaelic Football training session which was attended by a huge crowd of enthusiastic students..

To finish off the week World Champion Boxer, Andy Lee came in to talk to some of our students and a few up-and-coming boxers in the school. He was able to share his journey from being an amateur fighter to a world champion. It shows that no matter where you come from you can achieve something big.

Active week overall was successful in achieving its goal of promoting a healthier lifestyle for the students.

By Jaime Rivas

The Big Interview: Cian Foley talks to to 5 time All Ireland Champion Martin Collins

The Exclusive.mp4

Shamrock Rovers Visit

My name is Cain Dunne, a student in Drimnagh Castle Secondary School. Today I am here to interview Brandon Kavanagh and Roberto Lopes current Shamrock Rovers players and former pupils of Drimnagh Castle about their lives and about what they do for a living.I met with the lads and this is how it went.

Obviously you lads played all the way up from first year, right up to sixth year level. Do you think that played a part in your development?

Yes it was different as you have to adapt to the pitches and tight battles, it really does help you develop as a player.

As a young boy who was your idol growing up? And how would you feel if one day millions of kids were to say you inspire them?

Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi were my idols growing up because of Gerrard's hunger, desire and passion for the game and Messi because the way he played how original and effortless he is. I think it’s great that I could inspire millions to do what they love which is play football.

Many people dream to become a footballer. If it wasn’t to workout for you did you ever have a backup plan: if so what was it?

Well I went to college and got an apprenticeship so I always had the option if I didn’t make it pro. I would really recommend having a back up plan and just doing well in school.

Since you boys are past pupils of the school was there any teacher that really believed that you’ll make it pro?

Mr. O’hAnifidh, Mr. Gallaghan and Mr. Tierney really backed us and knew it was our passion and our dream to play football and they always believed in us. They always let us do what we had to do as long as we won.

How does it feel to be back here coaching young lads no different to where you lads were a few years ago?

It’s great to pass on the knowledge to the boys and its nice to see the old pitch with the new faces and obviously there's a few good ballers so one day they’ll be in our position.

All in all it’s been a great experience for our first years and it’s great to see them doing what they love and learning from two of the best players this school has seen in a good few years. Hopefully these boys can one day be the star man for their country.

Interview With Darragh McCauley

Name: Daragh McAuley

Age: 16 years old

Club: Donore Harriers

Career Overview

Bronze medal in the Tailteann Games, School All Irelands and Club All Irelands.

How did you get started with athletics?

I have always been interested in sports. I have tried a few different ones but after winning a gold medal in 110 meter Hurdles, I decided to join a club.

Why do you think you have become successful in your sport?: I have put a lot of time into training and I have good coaches.

What is your training regimen like?

I train three times a week, 2-3 hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 4-5 hours on Saturdays.

What inspires you to become a better athlete?: I want to be a successful athlete and make money doing it.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

My future goal would be to make the Irish team and compete abroad. My aspiration would be to compete in the Olympics.

How are you involved in Athletics in the school? What have you achieved in competing for the school?

I am a runner on the school athletics team. I run 400m Hurdles. I came first in the West Leinsters. This meant that I got through to the Leinsters and there I came third. I was able to qualify for the School All Irelands after finishing third in the Leinsters. I was also picked to represent the school and Leinster in a competition called the Tailteann Games. It was there where I also came third and if I had placed first or second, I would have went to SIAB, which is where schools from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales compete against each other.

Boxing

On Tuesday morning, all of us take part in boxing from 11-12. We train in the PE hall in our school. Boxing is split into different stages. The first stage is the bronze stage, which is mainly about technique. The second stage is the silver stage and we begin to participate in body and head sparring. Last stage is the gold stage, where some of the students fight in an arena against a opponent from another school.

Swimming

On a Monday afternoon, we all go to the swimming pool for sessions with Mr. Bowe, As part of this we are are undertaking courses in different stages depending on our abilities. Some students are in the shallow end where they are getting lessons. The more advanced swimmers take part in lessons in the deep end. These lessons teach us how to save people's lives in water and keep ourselves safe in the process. We also learn the most efficient and quickest way to save someone based on different situations.

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