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Ard Scoil na nDéise "Reaching our Potential with Respect, Care and Friendship" |
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Visiting Author, Senior Schools Football, Junior Camogie 1st December 2014 TY Visiting Author Since September, the TY’s have been reading the novel ‘Chalkline’ by Jane Mitchell and on Monday 24th, the author herself took time out from her busy schedule to travel from Dublin to talk to us. This visit was made possible by the ‘writers in schools’ as they subsidise the authors visits to primary and secondary schools. First on the agenda was her reasoning behind the cliff-hanger at the end of her award winning book. Jane explained to us that it was a compromise between the publisher and the author. Jane Mitchell told us of her travels to America, Australia, Vietnam, Burma and what they all had in common was the celebration of the end of war in their country. But the north of India is not as lucky. She noted the comparison between the streets of India – whole families in the street, skin darkened by continuous exposure to the sun, often begging or girls as young as eight carrying younger siblings. On the streets in Ireland you see a stray homeless person here and there. The difference between the streets of these selected countries is that one of them is, in some way, supported by the government. Yes, it’s Ireland. I know it is said that the government here doesn’t do much for its people, but if one was to compare, the Irish state provides social welfare, shelters or hostels are available and free healthcare – even with the waiting - allows one to be seen in a public hospital. In India however, once you lose your job you have no income to support you or your family. Therefore the Indian streets see new families each day/week/year. The sights Jane Mitchell saw on her year-long adventure through a vast array of countries inspired her to write a fictional story to raise awareness about child soldiers. The author was asked the question ‘how do you cope with the knowledge of such happenings in these countries?’ She explained that although she is aware that she cannot do anything physical to help this ‘crime’, by telling a story she can raise much needed awareness – which she has done admirably. From her visit, Jane can be described as a passionate human rights activist and a determined individual who at all costs wants to rid the world of war and especially child soldiers. I would recommend this book as it’s very enjoyable while getting a feel for life in Northern India. Jane concluded her visit by going through the finer detail of creative writing and got everyone involved. Muireann Walsh, 4th Year Senior Ladies Schools Football After winning one match and losing the other in the opening rounds, this final qualifying match was a must win for the girls of Árd Scoil na nDéise. This team is one of a kind-the determination, dedication, ‘fight till the end’ attitude and of the course the excellent skill and ability each one of these girls possesses for the game of Gaelic Football is phenomenal. Their opponents on November 29th were a very strong Cork team from Carrigaline. The game kicked off at 12.30pm. The girls from the Árd Scoil got off to a very slow start while Carrigaline were well on top scoring four consecutive points with no reply. However, the Árd Scoil girls improved greatly and came into the game as their reliable centre-back Caitriona O’Brien fought tremendously in the back line pushing her teammates to do likewise. As the ball started to move up to the Árd Scoil forwards, the magical duo of Lauren McGregor and Ciara Hurley began to work wonders. With help from the other forwards, they managed to clock up 3 goals and 6 points between the six of them. The Árd Scoil back line were starting to get on top of their forwards and limiting their scoring opportunities. As the half time whistle came, the score read 3-6 to 6 points in favour of the Árd Scoil. However the second half was a very different game. The Carrigaline girls came out eager to close the nine point difference between the two sides. The Árd Scoil girls worked well maintaining their lead, especially the two midfielders Kate McGrath and Emma Gildae, who endlessly worked hard to stay on top. In the final fifteen minutes, everything started to go wrong for the girls. The Carrigaline girls showed their class by scoring two great goals with only ten minutes to go, narrowing the gap to three points. Both teams were extremely tired but gave one last push. The Árd Scoil goalkeeper kicked out the ball where it broke down to one of the Carrigaline midfielders who soloed it in and buried it in the net. It was now level with only two minutes to go. Both teams fought endlessly to secure their place in the quarter final, but unfortunately for the Árd Scoil girls, it was Carrigaline who scored the winning point with only half a minute to go. It was heartbreaking for our girls but we owe them a tremendous thank you for all their great efforts throughout the year with our coaches Ms.Rochford and Ms.Flavin. Laura Cusack, 5th Year Junior Camogie On 26th November, the junior camogie team travelled to a frosty Bushy Park to take on Scoil Mhuire Blarney in the Munster semi final of this competition. After a great win against Killenaule in the last round, the girls knew there were still improvements to be made. The half time advice from Ms Rochford and Ms Pickering really spurred the girls on and this showed as they were more competitive in the second half and this fight and determination resulted in great scores from Aishling Bauman (1-01), Lydia Troy (1-00) and Kate McGrath (1-00). The backs really upped their game in the second half and some great defending from Sarah Lacey in midfield, Amy O’Riordan and Isabelle Wade in goal kept the Blarney forwards scoreless in the second half. Full Time Score Blarney (2-00) Árd Scoil (5-02). The girls are now through to a Munster Final later this month where they will face a very strong school from Glanmire. The girls know they will really have to work hard if they are to win some silverware this year. Kate McGrath, 4th Year |
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