Summer Holidays

***Summer Holidays start when school ends tomorrow! We wish all our pupils safe and happy holidays.
***Don't forget that tomorrow is a Colours Day (€2 contribution).
***Also, if you have filled out a childcare survey, please return it to the School Office tomorrow.
***Finally, there are still some School Newsletters available... They can be bought in the school tomorrow or from O'Brien's Pharmacy in the village  (while stocks last).

P.S. Result of Pupils v Teachers soccer match: 0-6! The pupils put up a great challenge but the teachers got lucky (6 times!)

Graduation of Class of 2013

Very best wishes to each and every one of the twenty one 6th Class pupils who graduated from Patrickswell NS today! Mass was celebrated in their classroom at 12.00 noon. Our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Muiris O Connor was the celebrant. The congregation was made up of the pupils themselves, their parents/relations and some of the teachers from the school--including class teacher, Mr. Paul O Connor.
Refreshments were served in the School Hall afterwards by members of our Parents' Association (to whom we say a very big THANK YOU!)

The Class of 2013 (posing for their last photo together as primary school pupils)

(Below) Míle buíochas, Teresa!

Adam and Teresa Carrig on Adam's last day in 6th Class. Teresa has served  as a committee member on Patrickswell N.S. Parents' Association for the past 18 years, during which time she has given sterling service in the cause of the school and its pupils. All associated with the school are extremely grateful to Teresa--and all members of the Parents Association--for everything they have done and continue to do for the school.

2013 School Magazine out NOW!

...Lots of great news and photos...54 pages...(56 pages, including Leader Cup Supplement)...Fantastic value at €5...Have you got your copy?
The 2013 Patrickswell N.S. Annual School Review is an excellent record of what's been going on in the school since last September. It's certain to be a keepsake that will be treasured by all members of our school community for years and years to come.
Get your copy/copies from the School Office today. They're going fast--and when they're gone, they're gone!!!

Every family should have one! (At least one!) Order yours from the School Office today.

Photo of Leader Cup team

The first Patrickswell NS team to win The Leader Cup, pictured here with Jerome O Connell of The Limerick Leader

Jerome O Connell presents the Leader Cup to Patrickswell captain, Adam Carrig.

School Tours (2013)

All tour buses departed Patrickswell N.S. on time this morning.

Junior Infants, Senior Infants & 1st Class: 2 buses left for Fota Island, Co. Cork They pupils are due back (at the school) at 4.00 pm approximately.

2nd & 3rd Classes: 1 bus left for Co. Clare. The pupils are due back at 5.00 pm approx.

4th & 5th Classes: 1 bus left for 'Pure Skill,' Co. Galway. The pupils are due back at 5.00 pm approx.

6th Class: 1 bus left for Ballybunion, Co Kerry. The pupils are due back at 4.30 pm approx.

2013 Leader Cup Report

Leader Cup Report

SEMI-FINAL :

Patrickswell N.S. 4-4

Croagh N.S.       1-1    

This was a much closer match than the final score-line suggests. In the end, the game was settled by two late Patrickswell goals. The half-time score was 2-1 to 0-1.

Neil Byrnes was outstanding in defence, from start to finish. Adam Carrig dominated at centre back and when he moved to midfield in the second half, he solved a serious problem for his side. He cancelled Croagh's main threat, secured plenty of good quality possession for his team--and even managed to notch up two vital scores in the course of the game. Six different players scored for the Well, including four different goal-scorers.

The scorers for the Well were:

PJ Foley (1-0)

Clive Kirby  (1-0)

Calvin Carroll (1-1)

Adam Carrig (1-1)

Patrick Kirby (0-1)

Cian Fitzgerald (0-1)

Order of the scores

1st half :

- Opening score: Adam Carrig (0-1) from midfield

- PJ Foley scored a goal (1-0) with a great ground strike

- Croagh scored a point 0-1)

- Calvin goal scored a goal (1-0) from far out the field. The bounce of the sliotar most likely caught the goalkeeper by surprise

2nd half :

- They got a goal (the score was now: 2-1 to 1-1)

- Patrick Kirby scored a long range point (0-1) from midfield

- Adam Carrig scored a goal (1-0)

- Clive Kirby scored a goal (1-0)

- Cian Fitzgerald scored a point (0-1)

FINAL :

Patrickswell N.S.                    0-8

Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff       1-4

This was a tense and thrilling final, fitting of its billing as the County Decider. Bruff had beaten the Well convincingly in a challenge match in Bruff, earlier in the year and showed themselves to be an extremely skilful and physically strong team when beating East champions, Doon CBS in the Leader Cup semi-final.

The final was not to be a one-sided affair. It ebbed and flowed, as the very best matches do. The outcome was in the balance right up to the final whistle. Both sides were desperate to be crowned county champions and every player did his utmost to secure victory for his school. The Well defence thwarted their opposite numbers brilliantly. Defenders are often forgotten when famous victories are achieved but the heroics of the Patrickswell sextet (and goalkeeper) who helped bring the Leader Cup to Patrickswell for the first time ever should never be forgotten.

The half-time score was: Patrickswell NS 0-3, Bruff  0-1

Order of the scores in the final

1st half :

- Clive Kirby scored a point (0-1)

- Danny  replied for Bruff: 0-1 to 0-1

- Calvin Carroll scored a free (0-1) after John Kirby was fouled

- Calvin Carroll scored a '65'

2nd half :

- Point for Bruff: 0- 3 to 0--2

- Clive Kirby scored two points 0-5 to 0-2

- Bruff scored a goal: 0- 5 to 1-2 (level)

- Calvin scored a free from tight angle: 0-6 to 1-2

- Bruff scored a point: 0-6 to 1-3

- PJ Foley scored a super point, over his shoulder: 0-7 to 1-3

- Bruff scored 0-7 to 1-4 (level again)

-Adam Carrig had a close-in free saved, with 2 minutes to go!

- Clive Kirby kicked a point--the winning score--0-8 to 1-4

  

Scorers (Patrickswell)

Clive Kirby (0-4)

Calvin Carroll (0-3)

PJ Foley (0-1)

Croagh N.S

1.       Gavin McCarthy

2.       Kevin Dee                        3.       Jack Lenihan     4.  Nessan Leahy

5.       Bryan Shanahan               6.       Barry Lenihan   7.  Gavin O’Shaughnessy

                                    8.       Jack McCoy           9.       Mark Hayes

10.   Alan Koshy                           11.   Pat Lenihan             12.   Jack Shiels

13.   Andrew Meade                    14.   James Lanigan       15.   Séan Lynch

16.   Brian O’ Regan 17.   Jack Carroll 18.   Daniel Casey    19.Conor Lenihan       20. Seamie Lenihan  21. Noirín Lenihan    22. Katie Condon.

  

Patrickswell  NS

1. Paul Buston,

 2. Martin Murray, 3. Neil Byrnes, 4. Tomás Crowe,

5. Patrick Kirby, 6. Adam Carrig , 7. Cian Enright,

8. Calvin Carroll  9. Cian Fitzgerald

10. Niall Kerins, 11. Clive Kirby  12. Cormac Kerins,

13. John Kirby, 14. P.J. Foley  15. Cian Gorman

 Fir Ionaid 16. Jordan McCarthy, 17. Darren O Flaherty, 18. Kyle McCarthy, 19. Jack Gorman, 20. Nathan McGrath 

Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff

1. Craig Finn

 2. James O'Neill                                  3. Pádraig Mulcahy           4. Eoin Murphy

5. Luke Flannery                                               6. Kevin Bonar (c)            7. Adam O'Dwyer

8. Cillian Keane               9. Jerry Quaid

10. Adam Gubbins                      11. Danny O'Leary                      12. Craig Downes

13. Andrew Donnellan                14. Bradley McNamara                   15. Daire Brady

Fir Ionaid:  16. Dylan Gubbins   17. Gearóid O'Leary   18. Brian Dooley 

19. Philip Corbett  20. Alan Feely 21. Jamie Ahern

Fantastic Medal Presentation in Patrickswell School!

There were FOUR hurling cups on display in the School Hall today! They were on show for the presentation of the four sets of medals won by the school's hurlers this year.
Mr. Crowe welcomed all the pupils and guests to the Medal Presentation Ceremony. Four special guests--Aaron Gillane, Mark Carmody, Ger Downes and Gavin O Mahony--addressed the assembly, each had words of praise and encouragement for the players' great achievements.
The Under 11 medals were presented by:
Aaron Gillane, past pupil of the school, club minor captain and member of Limerick Minor Hurling team
The Olo Cup Medals were presented by:
Ger Downes, GDA employed by Limerick County Board
The Mayor's Cup medals were presented by:
Mark Carmody, past pupil of the school, member of the Limerick senior hurling panel
The Leader Cup medals were presented by:
Gavin O Mahony, member of the Limerick Senior hurling team

The players were introduced to the assembly by their managers, Mr. Bulfin and Mr. O Connor.
Our photo shows our four guests with Mr. Bulfin, Mr.O Connor and team captains: Paul Buston, Patrick Kirby, Calvin Carroll, Adam Carrig,,Clive Kirby and Neil Byrnes

County Champions!

Our Under 13 hurlers made history today when they added the Limerick Leader Cup to the astonishing haul of trophies they won in 2013--our most successful year in primary school hurling...ever!
The school certainly has been on a roll since winning the Olo Cup. Within days of the fantastic win over Caherdavin in that final, the Under 11s beat Milford NS to win the City A Cup (the Under 11 version of the Olo Cup), then the Under 13s won the Mayor's Cup for the first time when they defeated a City Divisional side in the final--and, today, at U.L. North Campus the Under 13s won the Limerick Leader Cup. Never before could it be said that our school was officially the best in the county but victories over West champions Croagh NS (who beat Adare BNS in the West final, after a replay) and Scoil Dean Cussen from Bruff (who accounted for East champions, Doon CBS in the second semi final) put the matter beyond all doubt. Patrickswell N.S. are County Champions for the first time ever!
Photos and match reports will appear on this BLOG in due course... (Players are welcome to submit their own reports of the semi final and final to Mr O Connor or Mr Crowe and they will be considered for publication on this BLOG...so, get writing!)
Well done everybody! You all played a huge part in our greatest hurling year ever. That includes the players, the manager, trainers, mentors, parents, club members, teaching staff and anyone who helped out in any way. It all counts.
Medals will be presented in the school on Wednesday, June 19th at 12.30 p.m. At least 2 members of the Limerick team that defeated Tipperary in the Munster Championship will be involved in the medal presentation. All parents and friends of the school are welcome to attend the presentation ceremony.

Change of Yenue

Leader Cup has been switched to North Campus, U.L. All other details remain the same.

Photo of Patrickswell NS Mayor's Cup-Winning Team

Patrickswell N.S. 2013 Olo Cup & Mayor's Cup winners

Mayor Gerry McLoughlin presents the Mayor's Cup to Patrickswell NS joint captains, Neil Byrnes & Clive Kirby

Patrickswell NS win The Mayor's Cup

Patrickswell NS: 3-5
Limerick City: 2-2

The Olo Cup panel increased in number by one for today's Mayor's Cup final. The 'one' in question was Jack Gorman, who was promoted to the panel following his outstanding performance in the Under 11 A final last week.
Another thing that increased in number by one today was Patrickswell's haul of trophies. At the Gaelic Grounds, the Patrickswell NS Under 13s overcame a gallant Limerick City side in the Mayor's Cup final and brought the trophy back to the school for the first time ever.
Limerick City deservedly led 2-1 to 1-2 at half time. Their team spirit and hurling skills (polished with care over the past few weeks by trainers Ger Downes, Shane O Neill... and our own Paul O Connor) were very much in evidence. Without a doubt, the team selected from schools throughout the City Division, proved to be Patrickswell's toughest opponents to date. Patrickswell's first half scores came from Cian Gorman (0-1), Clive Kirby (1-0) and Calvin Carroll (0-1, free).
A switch in the second half saw Paul Kelly go into goals while Adam Carrig moved out the field. This change  turned the tide in favour of the Well. Kelly made two brilliant saves to keep the City at bay while Carrig, Neil Byrnes, Patrick Kirby and Cian Fitz cleared a lot of ball. They were well assisted by Tomas Crowe, Jordan McCarthy, Martin Murray, and the Kerins's, Cormac and Niall.
Patrickswell's equalising point came early in the second half. It was scored by Cian Gorman, a young man in Fourth Class who has a bright future in the game. The first goal of the second half came from a familiar source. It was scored by a player with a deft touch, a very useful burst of speed--and an eye for goal. That player was Clive Kirby who booted the sliotar to the roof of the net in a manner The Gooch would have been proud of! He got great support from the players around him, namely: Carroll, Cian Enright, Martin Murray, Darren O Flaherty, John Kirby and Kyle McCarthy.
The goal that secured the result for the Well came from supersub, Nathan McGrath who got a vital touch to the ball at exactly the right moment. The Well had two more points from play before the final whistle was blown. Both were scored by P.J. Foley.
The 2013 Mayor's Cup final was a hard-fought, top quality match from start to finish. It was worthy of the occasion. The Mayor of Limerick, Mr. Gerry McLoughlin who once carried a rugby ball, his teammates and the entire English pack over the try-line in a famous victory over England, said it "gladdened my heart" to be present at the Gaelic Grounds on such a special occasion. He said that both sides played with great skill and passion and that the City side had really put it up to Patrickswell. He added, "Patrickswell did well to come back and win the game. They have a great hurling tradition in Patrickswell and from next year Patrickswell will actually become part of the City! Finally, it is a pleasure to present the Mayor's Cup to joint captains of Patrickswell, Clive Kirby and Neil Byrnes."
The Mayor presented both sets of players with their medals. The City players also received specially commissioned polo shirts to mark the honour of being selected to play for the City side.

A. Carrig, C Crowe, N. Byrnes, J. McCarthy, P. Buston, C. Carroll (0-1), P. Kirby, C. Fitzgerasld, C Kerins, C. Enright, C. Kirby (2-0), K. McCarthy, C. Gorman (0-2), P.J. Foley (0-2), D. O Flaherty, J. Kirby, N. Kerins, M.. Murray, N. McGrath (1-0), J. Gorman

Mayor's Cup Final

Patrickswell NS
v
Limerick City Selection (Managed by Ger Downes and Limerick senior hurler, Shane O Neill)

The Mayor's Cup final will take place at the Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday, June 12th. The throw in is at 2.00 pm. Mayor Gerry McLoughlin will present medals to all the participants at 3.00 pm. This match is an annual contest between the Olo Cup champions (that's Patrickswell NS, this year!) and a selection of players from schools in the City Division who were sent for trials for the Mackey Cup.

Limerick v Tipperary - the Patrickswell N.S. Connection

Sarah Gillane and Calvin Carroll, who played against Tipperary for the Limerick Primary Game camogie and hurling teams respectively on Sunday, June 9th, 2013. They are pictured here at the Gaelic Grounds with teachers Mr. Crowe and Mr. O Connor,  members of the Limerick management team.

The Limerick Primary Game Camogie team that played Tipperary on Sunday, June 9th.. Sixth Class student, Sarah Gillane is in the back row

The Limerick Primary Game Hurling team that defeateded Tipperary 3-0 to 2-1 on Sunday, June 9th, 2013.. Sixth Class student, Calvin Carroll is in the front row

Champions on the Double!!

Patrickswell N.S. 3-7
Milford N.S.        0-2
Congratulations to Mr. Bulfin and his team of warriors who won the City Under 11 A Hurling title today, in scorching sunshine in St. Patrick's GAA field.  In last month's league match between the same two sides, Milford NS won by 25 points, so there was very good reason to expect them to carry on in today's final from where they left off last time around.
Patrickswell NS hadn't read the script, however, and from the throw in they got stuck in, challenged for every ball, turned lost causes into successes and ran their hearts out in their efforts to do themselves justice--and do their school proud.
The Well started brightly with a point from play and a point from a free by Patrick Kirby (captain). The captain led by example from midfield. He was an excellent outlet for goalkeeper Nathan Conway's clever puck-outs and gave a great display of man-markng when it was necessary to do so. He finished as the day's top scorer with 2 goals and five points. Both goals were quality strikes which came at the end of incisive runs through the MIlford defence.
Niall Kerins gave a swashbuckling performance in midfield and took on the job of marking Milford's strongest player with gusto. The fact that he dominated his man from start to finish and moved a lot of ball forward in the process was critical to the team's overall success.
In defence the Gormans--Jack and Cian--were outstanding. Jack's powerful clearances and Cian's solo runs relieved pressure time after time. Conor Chu looked after his corner in a very unfussy manner and put his body on the line on more than one occasion. Wing back Eoin Harmon was another who caught the eye, both for his silky skills and the vital clearances he made when the Well were under severe pressure. Full back, Josh Carey gave a great performance in the anchor position. His clever reading of the game rescued his teammates on more than one occasion.
Patrick Kiely gave a solid display in midfield, as did half forwards, Jake Carey, John Kirby and Evan Munnelly. John Kirby scored 2 super points for his side and was the only player from 3rd Class to play (and score) on both the Under 11 A and Olo Cup finals. Paul Lynch, Jamie Byrnes and Adam McNamara and super-sub Jack McNamara in the full forward line were diligent in their duties throughout and caused plenty of problems for their opposite numbers.
The result was some turnaround in the space of a few short weeks! The boys in blue and gold played with heart and discipline throughout. They hurled with passion and their manager, Mr. Bufin, coach, Gary Kirby and special hurling consultant, Sam Bulfin were very proud of them indeed! Their parents, teachers and supporters were thrilled with their performance too.
And, there was no doubt about it, the best team won on the day. Come on the 'Well!!!

Team: 1. Nathan Conway 2. Conor Chu 3. Josh carey 4. Jack Gorman 5. Cian Gorman 6. Patrick Kiely 7. Eoin Harmon 8. Patrick Kiely 9. Niall Kerins 10. Jake Carey 11. John Kirby 12. Evan Munnelly 13. Paul Lynch 14. Jamie Byrnes 15. Adam McNamara 16. Jack McNamara 17. Sean Fitzgerald

Scorers: P. Kirby (2-5), J. Byrnes (1-0), J. Kirby (0-2)

Mayor's Cup & Leader Cup

Olo Cup Champions, Patrickswell NS take on a City selection in the 2013 Mayor's Cup final in the Gaelic Grounds at 2.00 pm next Wednesday (June 12th) Medals will be presented to all players after the match by Mayor of Limerick, Mr.Gerry McLoughlin.
The Leader Cup will be contested at the Gaelic Grounds on Tuesday, June 18th. This is the Limrick Primary Schools County Championship. The City will be represented by Patrickswell N.S. Our lads will meet the champions of West Limerick (Adare or Croagh) at 1.00 pm in the first semi-final. The winners will play the winners of the East Lk v South Lk semi-final in the Leader Cup final, immediately afterwards.
Counting the Olo Cup final, that's three appearances in the Gaelic Grounds for our Under 13 hurlers in the one season! This is the first time the school has had this honour.

Under 11 A Hurling Final

Best of luck to the U-11 hurlers today in their final v Milford NS. The match will start at 1.00 pm (Friday, June 7th). Venue: St. Patrick's GAA Field (Rhebogue). Milford won the corresponding league fixture between the sides last month and go into the final as favourites. Here's hoping Mr. Bulfin's team can emulate the Patrickswell NS Under 13s who reversed their league loss v Scoil Chríost Rí to win the Olo Cup Final last week.