John Fitzsimons - European Muay Thai Champion
John Fitzsimons - European Muay Thai Champion
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On November 20th-25th I went to the European Muay Thai championships in Limassol, Cyprus. I got chosen roughly one month before we went. We had multiple sessions to select the team to go and represent Ireland. After the 1st session I got told I was going! I trained 5 times a week, 3 hours a day and it was very hard.
On Wednesday November 20th I left my house at 6 o'clock in the morning for our 8 o clock flight. We had two flights and our first one was to London. We landed in Luton airport at 9:15 am and went straight for some food. Our flight was at 12 o'clock and we landed in Cyprus at 4 pm, but because Cyprus was 2 hours ahead it was 6pm. Local time! We checked into our hotel and then went for dinner. I was fighting at a certain weight so I had to eat certain things to stay on weight as I must weigh in every day I fight. After dinner I went straight to sleep.
On Thursday November 21st, there was an opening ceremony and then the draw to decide who you were fighting. I got a bye straight into the final against an opponent from Cyprus. I was not fighting until Saturday so I had some time to relax and prepare for the fight.
On Friday the 22nd of November we all went to the arena and I watched two of my teammates from my gym fight. They both won easily. We got to the arena at around 4:30 pm and got home at 10:30 pm.
On Saturday November 23rd, I was fighting. I weighed in at 7:30am and then went for breakfast. We didn't have to go to the arena until later that day so we all went up to the mountains. It was a lovely view and was very close to our hotel. After that, we went to get some food before going to the arena. This time we got to the arena at 5pm and my fight was the fifth of the day. I couldn't wait to fight after seeing my teammates compete and win the day before. I was so excited, the adrenalin was pumping as I entered the ring. I won my fight by way of a 3rd round stoppage with boxing. At the end of the fights, there was a medal ceremony and I got presented with a medal and a certificate.
On the Sunday the rest of my teammates fought and they all won. They then all got their medals and we watched the rest of team Ireland fight. Team Ireland came away with 8 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. Our flight was at 4 am the next day and we got back to the hotel at midnight.
We again had 2 flights, one to London and one to Dublin. We landed in Dublin at 2pm on Monday. I was very happy but also very tired so I went straight to sleep when I got home. It was a great experience and I can't wait to fight again.
SPHE ART PROJECT
SPHE ART PROJECT
In our first year SPHE classes we have been learning about recognising our strengths, recognising the strengths of others, complimenting others and empathising with others. We did a lesson where everyone wrote something nice about their classmates. We chose one of our good traits and did it in graffiti writing. It was an enjoyable lesson because it was nice to read the nice things other people had to say about us.
Pieta House Amber Flag Award
Pieta House Amber Flag Award
Congratulations to the Amber Flag Committee on being awarded the 2023/2024 Pieta Amber Flag!
We are delighted to announce that Drimnagh Castle has been awarded its very first Amber Flag. The Pieta Amber Flag Initiative recognises the individual and collective efforts to create healthy, inclusive environments that support the mental well-being of the those in secondary schools.
Our Amber Flag Committee has shown great commitment in promoting positive mental health by encouraging teamwork and contributions from peers.
Well done to all involved on a fantastic achievement for our school community.
Amber Flag Vision
Promoting positive mental health and well-being in communities through shared participation, knowledge, and empowerment.
Amber Flag Objectives
Promoting Positive Mental Health
Enhancing inclusivity through teamwork and social support
Reducing risk factors through increased awareness and education
Improving quality of life for those with mental health challenges
Background
The Amber Flag initiative is in its 9th year. 516 Amber Flags were awarded in June 2023 to schools, clubs, and organisations all over Ireland. Once a flag is awarded, it is placed in a prominent position outside, flying at full mast, acknowledging the great achievement.
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